'It's our honor:' Milwaukee organizations collecting 'Blessing Baskets' for local veterans this holiday season
WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- For around $50, you could bring holiday spirit into the lives of local veterans and their families this winter.
The Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative (MHVI) in West Allis is partnering with other local organizations this holiday season to collect what they're calling "Blessing Baskets" -- laundry baskets filled with non-perishable food items and grocery store gift cards.
The idea was created in 2021 when Chris Ruszkiewicz, a broker owner with Keller Williams Realty in New Berlin, was speaking with a colleague about giving back to those in need.
"We were looking for someone that really needed help," Ruszkiewicz said.
Ruszkiewicz, who had been working with MHVI for the past several years, said there was nobody better she could think of that was more deserving.
"We're here to serve and help each other and if they're willing to give their lives for us, the least we can do is make sure they have a safe place to live and food on the table," Ruszkiewicz said. "It's good for all of us, all the way around."
Last year, they were able to collect 27 baskets. This year, their goal is 100 baskets and so far, they're about halfway there.
#TONIGHT: The Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative is partnering with other local organizations to bring holiday joy to veterans and their families in SE #Wisconsin. How you can help with just a laundry basket and some groceries coming up on @CBS58 at 4:30p ? pic.twitter.com/Mt8QKtiMnp
— Ellie Nakamoto-White (@ellienw_news) December 1, 2022
"We could not hold these types of services or provide this level of service without the donation of our community partners," said MHVI Executive Director Debbie Buchanan. “I believe in my heart that every single resident in this community is touched by the service of our veterans, and so it’s our duty, it’s absolutely our honor to be able to meet those specific needs, those basic needs, to be able to move them out of a crisis situation.”
Buchanan said the grassroots organization began about 15 years ago and each year, the number of veterans they help grows.
"On an average, annual basis we're serving anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 veterans between all of our programs and services and all of the community events we do for our outreach efforts," Buchanan said.
What she believes makes MHVI stand out is that they "remove the red tape" when it comes to eligibility and receiving support.
"If you served in the military, regardless of your service time, you can still come here to be served," Buchanan said. "If someone needs a bus pass or they need a gas card, we can do that right away on the spot."
During Thanksgiving, Buchanan said they served around 120 veterans holiday dinner.
"We're going to have an even larger demand as Christmas approaches, so anyone who wants to maybe donate a toy or a stuffed animal or maybe a gift card, please remember us and keep us in mind," Buchanan said. "It'll definitely go to a veteran to help make their holiday special."
If you want to donate a Blessing Basket, the deadline to drop off at the Keller Williams Realty office is Dec. 8 by the end of the workday.
To drop off at the MHVI, you have until Dec. 14 at 3:30 p.m. You can also call 414-257-4111 to arrange a pickup.
Veterans and their families will be able to get the Blessing Baskets, toys, and other gifts during the annual MHVI holiday party on Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or on Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Officials said all that's required is a DD214 and VA card for proof of service.