Coventry JROTC Comes Through for RI Veterans

The Junior ROTC of Coventry High School has come through to help Rhode Island veterans again with a significant donation of more than 40 boxes of food and toiletries for the homeless and at-risk veterans serviced by Operation Stand Down Rhode Island.

On Saturday, the cadets of RI-081st held a donation drive to benefit the veterans serviced by Operation Stand Down at Richard's Oil in Coventry from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the period of time people from throughout the community came together and donated food and toiletries for the veterans.

"We are very grateful to have these upstanding teenagers volunteering for Operation Stand Down," said Tony DeQuattro, President of the OSDRI Board of Directors. "All of the food and toiletries donated go directly into our food pantry and clothing shed for veterans at our Hartford Avenue Campus. There, homeless and at-risk veterans can access the items at no charge."

The cadets also held a donation drive for OSDRI back in November just before the Thanksgiving holiday and in March the cadets volunteers at OSDRI's steak fry fundraiser serving food to all the attendees.

"I have witnessed an amazing group of Cadets in the ROTC at Coventry High School. They have willingly spent numerous Saturdays volunteering and collecting for local organizations. I am honored that I can be part of it," said Dawn Donnelly, a mother of one of the cadets.

The cadets have logged over 1,200 hours of community service in the past year.

"Day in and day out these cadets put others before themselves. Their ongoing community service is remarkable. I am extremely proud of all of them and theircontinued efforts to make a positive impact on the community," said State Representative Bobby Nardolillo.