Oak Ridge Schools employees wear jeans to work, donate $5 each to help veterans

Submitted by Oak Ridge Schools

On November 13, Oak Ridge Schools employees took part in the 2015 “Jeans For Troops” fundraising drive benefiting the GI Go Fund, a nonprofit organization that helps veterans returning home find employment, go to college, access their health care and financial benefits, and link to housing.

During the drive, in which schools and companies from all across the country participate, Oak Ridge Schools gave their employees the opportunity to wear jeans to work in exchange for a $5 donation to the GI Go Fund.

“I am so very proud of our staff who honored military veterans and their families through this fun event,” Superintendent Bruce Borchers said.

“For generations, America’s teachers have been responsible for educating America’s children,” said GI Go Fund Executive Director Jack Fanous. “They have always been individuals that mothers and fathers could rely on to set a positive example for their children. This Veterans Day, teachers around the country have set the example to our nation’s children that this is a day to remember the men and women who have fought and died to preserve our liberties, our freedoms, and the American way of life.”

The GI Go Fund is an organization on the cutting edge of offering support to veterans, providing veterans with innovative ways of finding employment, securing an education, and affording health benefits, as well as providing assistance to low-income and homeless veterans. Since its founding, the organization has helped tens of thousands of veterans improve their lives and gain the capacity to provide care for their loved ones. In addition, the organization did tremendous work for veterans who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. They provided rapid response to victims of the storm by delivering thousands of blankets and needed clothing and supplies to shelters, as well as bringing Emergency Financial Assistance and Toys for the Holidays for the thousands of Veterans devastated by the storm in the months that followed.

Proceeds from this program will go to help the organization further its mission for veterans. This year, the GI Go Fund is working to expand access to healthcare for veterans that go beyond the limited options currently available to them. For more information about the GI Go Fund, or to see all the schools and business that are participating in the “Jeans For Troops” drive, visit www.gigofund.org.

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