Operation Warm and Cozy

Caring for our community is a huge part of what we do, and we show it in so many ways. Umpqua Community Health Center (UCHC) recently partnered with Myrtle Creek Elks Lodge #1943 on a new program named Operation Warm and Cozy to supply veterans at VA Roseburg and South Douglas County assisted living facilities with lap blankets, hats, scarves and gloves. Tax-deductible cash donations towards these items are also being accepted.

Adam Britto, veteran volunteer coordinator for the Myrtle Creek Elks Lodge, and his wife Dorothy presented the program to the Board of Directors and Lodge members who enthusiastically endorsed it. When it comes to serving veterans, the Elks have a long and storied tradition of being there whenever needed. For many years, the Myrtle Creek Elks Lodge #1943 has served a free lunch to veterans from VA Roseburg quarterly. Operation Warm and Cozy was created to add to their continuing contributions to local veterans.

A member of the Myrtle Creek Elks Lodge who is also a military retiree attended the Second Annual Vets and Their Pets event honoring Douglas County veterans at UCHC Kenneth Ford Drive location November 9, 2018. While there he was introduced to KC Bolton, CEO of UCHC, himself an Army veteran. Not long after, discussions about a partnership between UCHC and the Lodge were held and plans were put in place to make it happen.

To ensure donations of the requested winter season comfort items are distributed to local veterans in a timely manner, the current Operation Warm and Cozy campaign will end on January 15, 2019. Until then, items can be dropped off at any UCHC location or at the Myrtle Creek Elks Lodge. For more information, contact Ted Romas, public relations chairman for the Lodge, at (541) 860-2037 or fultonny63@gmail.com.