Mount Prospect, IL, March 20, 2006--The Unmet Needs Program, created to provide emergency financial support to families of military personnel, recently recognized a significant milestone by exceeding $1 million in donations since its launch in June 2004.
The donations have been disbursed to more than 600 families across the country that are facing financial hardships because of the deployment of a loved one. Thousands of donors from every part of the U.S. have contributed to the million-dollar total.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Vermont American Power Tool Accessories teamed up to create the Unmet Needs Program two years ago. Grants from the program have helped many military families with urgent financial needs, including medical expenses, home repairs, car repairs, infant needs, rent/mortgage and more. A few examples:
* A Wisconsin mother travels cross-country with her two young children to be at the bedside of her husband, recuperating at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., from wounds sustained from a suicide bomber in Iraq. Her travel and hotel expenses are covered while she helps her husband recover.
* The home of a family in Washington state burns to the ground while the father/husband is deployed. Funding is provided and volunteers are coordinated to help build a new home for the family.
* A Missouri family, overwhelmed with bills and with limited income while the primary bread-winner serves in Iraq, faces foreclosure. Mortgage assistance is arranged to keep them in their home while their finances are straightened out.
The Unmet Needs Program is supported entirely by corporate and individual donations. Because a portion of Vermont American's financial contribution offsets the program's initial operating expenses, 100 percent of individual donations go directly to military families.
"We are realizing the goal of the program - to provide support to military families and peace of mind to our active duty personnel," said Jim Mueller, VFW commander in chief. "Our military service people can be confident that their families will be taken care of in their absence."
Individuals can participate in the following ways:
* Purchasing Vermont American products, as a portion of each product purchased goes to support the program
* Visit www.unmetneeds.com and donate online
* Mail donations to the Unmet Needs Program, VFW Foundation, 406 West 34th Street, Suite 514, Kansas City, MO, 64111
* Donate time and skills via www.unmetneeds.com.
"At Vermont American, we believe our involvement with the Unmet Needs Program is a natural fit," said Kurt Honaker, Brand Marketing, Vermont American. "It's important to support these deserving families, and everyone can help, whether through a donation of time or finances."
Families in need can visit www.unmetneeds.com or call 1-866-789-NEED (1-866-789-6333) to request assistance.
Vermont American Power Tool Accessories (a part of the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation) is one of the largest power tool accessories brands in the world. For nearly 60 years the company has outfitted professional tradesmen with premium quality bits and blades designed to meet rugged jobsite requirements. Vermont American products successfully combine function and design, resulting in patented and affordable solutions to user needs with products like circular saw blades, twist drill bits and screwdriver bits, router tables and accessories. All Vermont American bits and blades are manufactured to precise standards and tolerances, fit any brand of power tool and come with a lifetime guarantee. For online information about Vermont American or its products, visit www.vermontamerican.com.