TCU Lodge 500 Local Chairman and Unit 96 Division Chairman William “Scooter” Stocks Jr. (left), April Freeman VBCDC Director (middle), BRC Local Lodge 6465 Recording Secretary Jeff Matthews (right).
On November 20, 2023, the Norfolk Terminal Safety Committee held its first Virginia Beach Community Development Corporation (VBCDC) Thanksgiving Charity Drive to support the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. TCU Lodge 500 Local Chairman and Unit 96 Division Chairman William “Scooter” Stocks Jr. spearheaded this charity drive. The delivery was assisted by BRC Local Lodge 6465 Recording Secretary Jeff Matthews out of the Norfolk 38th Street Car Shop.
In conjunction, the Norfolk Terminal Safety Committee and NS Managers collected various dry goods and turkeys for the veterans who reside at two homes, one in Virginia Beach and one in Chesapeake, VA.
“The veterans in these homes are one step away from being homeless. We stepped up for the first charity drive by the Safety Committee and are looking forward to having many in the future,” said TCU Local Chairman William Stocks Jr.
The Virginia Beach Community Development Corporation launched the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program in December 2013 through a grant given by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The SSVF program promotes housing stability among very low-income veterans and veteran families who reside in or are transitioning to permanent housing. This program serves veterans from Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight and Southampton.
Eligible veterans may receive the following services: rental assistance, security deposits, emergency and general housing assistance, utility assistance, moving costs, transportation, child care, and emergency supplies.
“As a TCU member, it brings great pride in helping those who have served. Thanksgiving is about being thankful for life, and I’m glad to share in the hope of bringing happiness to others. One decision at a time can bring joy for a lifetime. One simple act can motivate lives for a more positive future,” said Recording Secretary of LL 6465 Jeff Matthews.
In 2024, the Norfolk Terminal Safety Committee looks forward to continuing to hold more charity drives to further help families by providing necessary household items, toiletries and other necessary supplies.
“Our members do so many good things daily, both on the job and in the communities where we live and work. I’m very proud of all the great work these members are doing,” said National President Artie Maratea.
