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KINGSTON — Socks, underwear, T-shirts.
It’s all about the basics for the “Underwearness” campaign at Kingston Manor.
“Underwearness,” the brainchild of Amber Trunzo, director of operations, looks to collect the items most needed by local veterans until June 19. All donations will go to Paul’s House in the Poconos.
Trunzo, the wife of a veteran, thought of the idea after attending a stand-down at Lackawanna College with her husband. A stand-down provides hot food, benefits assistance, clothing and other community resources and services for individuals in the military.
Kingston Manor Executive Director Renee Browning was quick to note Sarah Tomulatis has visited different veterans groups and passed out flyers on behalf of “Underwearness.”
Tomulatis, the activities director for the personal care home, said she has family, including a grandfather and twin cousins, who served the nation.
“God forbid something happened to them,” she said. “I hope someone would help them, too.”
Browning said Trunzo’s idea “hit home,” especially because the manor is home to several veterans.
“It’s for a good cause, and it’s going local,” she said.
Paul’s House was a former bed and breakfast in Monroe County, noted Christi Lewis, the manor’s business office manager. The Polk Township facility accommodates up to 13 veterans a day. According to ValorClinic.org, Paul’s House is dependent on community donations and volunteers who do everything from maintenance to cooking.
The tax-deductible donations will be taken to Paul’s House by Browning, Trunzo and Lewis on June 22.
Browning said the network of Saber Health Group homes — including Kingston, Dunmore, Scranton, and Wyoming — have set up donation boxes, but Tomulatis or someone else will be available to collect them.
Donated clothing should be new; cash is also accepted.
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