WHAT is STAND DOWN?
During war, Stand Down means a brief break from the fighting; troops get much needed rest, warm meals, showers, relief of battle fatigue, piece of mind and fellowship. These the men and women, who wore a uniform in honor and fought for our freedoms.
WHY?
A misconception by the general public; "Our government takes care of our veterans". Granted they should have some liability, it is not true. We spend billions preparing for war and training, yet nothing prepares our troops for returning home. While the VA tries their best to help 'some' that served, it does not provide to all, nor does their care treat all delimas caused by military trauma. Thanks to our Vietnam veterans, private causes, and involved communities, this is changing.
To many of our homeless veterans, life on the street is a war they are still fighting. But now, not for our freedoms, for their survival. The Heart of America Stand Down offers them a break from their battle, by bringing the community together, in a safe, violence and substance free environment, we provide resources that make a difference. It is estimated there are over 2400 homeless veterans in the Kansas City metro. These are men and women who were selected or volunteered to serve their country.
HOW?
Hundreds of community service groups and organizations from the greater Kansas City Metro come together to provide assistance and help rid the barriers that prevent homeless veterans from re-entering society as engaged, productive citizens and live more fulfilling lives. Assistance is offered with medical, substance abuse, legal issues, taxes, housing & utility assistance, family counseling, spiritual, mentorships, educational and employment opportunities, hair cuts, and much more.
HOW DO WE GET INVOLVED?
On May 27-30 weekend, MSP will be hosting the Tanel 360 Memorial Day NIT. At this event, the 2Xtreme softball team will be setting up a collection drive at Mid America West Sports Complex.
This collection drive will help collect the necessary items that STAND DOWN helps deliver to veterans in and around the KC Metro area. Below is list of items that are needed for STAND DOWN. Some of the most needed items are toiletries (men's and women's) and blue jeans.
In conjunction, MSP will be having a donation drive competition at the event. We will be awarding prizes to the teams that bring in and donate the most. Details will be available shortly, and we hope that we can all come together to support this group and their mission.
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Contest Rules
- Teams will have donations that will be given a point value. These point values will be used to determine the award winners for the contest prizes.
- Items will be collected at Mid America West Sports Complex. The Stand Down booth will be open on Saturday & Sunday from 10 am-2 pm.
- Item can also be delivered to the tournament directors office outside of those hours.
- All donations must include the Stand Down Scoresheet
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Contest Prizes
1st Place $300 MSP Certificate
2nd Place $200 MSP Certificate
3rd Place $100 MSP Certificate
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STAND DOWN Collection Drive Items:
- New or gently used jeans - men's or women's
- Sunscreen
- Bar Soap
- Tooth brush
- Tooth paste
- Shampoo
- Disposable Razors for both men and women
- Shaving Cream
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Contest Winners
1st Place
Stars & Spikes 96
2nd Place
Stars & Spikes 97
3rd Place
2Xtreme
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