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Nonprofit steps up to help veterans

Moscow-Pullman Daily News - 3/22/2018

March 22--Many Syringa Mobile Home Park residents could use a helping hand in moving their belongings and relocating their trailers. The Guardians Foundation is stepping up to the plate to assist at least one veteran and his family at the park.

Residents at the park, located east of Moscow, have been scrambling to find a new place to live since learning the park would close June 5.

Volunteers with The Guardians Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Post Falls that assists military veterans and their families, could be seen fishing for donations with camouflage nets Monday through Wednesday at the intersection of State Highway 8 and U.S. Highway 95 in Moscow.

The foundation's founder and CEO, Mike Shaw, said the money raised will go toward assisting veterans at Syringa and supporting veterans referred by the Moscow American Legion and by Latah County Veteran Services.

Walter Dodson was one of the volunteers enthusiastically requesting donations from drivers stopped Tuesday at the west side of the intersection.

"This cause is an honor to be a part of," Dodson said.

He said he has witnessed first-hand The Guardians Foundation's impact on others. The nonprofit helps veterans with housing, case management, job placement and needs.

"It's a feeling that's indescribable," Dodson said of helping people. "Too many people need help, and they're not getting it."

Mike Sherrard, another volunteer looking for donations Tuesday, complimented Moscow residents on their charitableness.

"When we show up, they're forthright with giving donations, and it really helps out in the best way," he said.

Shaw, volunteers and The Guardians Foundation's secretary/treasurer, Greg Blackwell, on Wednesday boxed up the belongings of Bob Gates, a veteran and 32-year Syringa resident, and his wife, Margaret. They also plan to move the Gates' double-wide trailer Friday to another location in Moscow, Shaw said.

"This problem is going to be solved for this family, whether it's the money raised in Moscow or it's my pension on the first of the month," Shaw said. "This family will be taken care of."

Mark Brabb was one of the volunteers gathering the Gates' belongings and cleaning the yard Wednesday.

Brabb, an Army veteran, said it is a blessing to be able to help a fellow veteran and his family.

"I feel extremely proud and privileged to contribute," Brabb said.

He said The Guardians Foundation helped him in a time of need.

"It's so inspiring," Brabb said. "They literally ask anything they can do for a veteran, from paying rent to providing housing."

Shaw said if The Guardians Foundation and other entities help one Syringa family at a time, the park can be cleaned up and turned into a ray of hope as opposed to a debacle.

Blackwell said he and Shaw will soon sit down with another veteran at Syringa to determine her needs. Shaw said they are willing to support any veteran at the park who needs assistance.

"We don't want to leave any vet at this park high and dry," he said.

Shaw said the foundation will collect donations today in Pullman and Friday and Saturday in Clarkston. He said those donations could benefit veterans at Syringa.

Garrett Cabeza can be reached at (208) 883-4631, or by email to gcabeza@dnews.com.

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(c)2018 the Moscow-Pullman Daily News (Moscow, Idaho)

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