VA Portland’s Warm Clothing Drive Exceeds Expectations
By Nick Choy, Public Affairs Specialist
There are a number of community programs aimed at helping Veterans in need—many of them organized through agencies such as the Veterans Administration.
Fortunately for deserving Veterans, the VA Portland Health Care System’s Warm Clothing Drive was reinstated after being put on hiatus during COVID.
The event was held December 3-17, 2025, and was coordinated between VISN 20 and the Center for Development and Civic Engagement to support the needs of area Veterans experiencing houselessness.
The program was able to collect more than 580 items valued at $6,400 to help Veterans in need.
“The CDCE Office is responsible for collecting all donations and ensuring they are distributed appropriately to meet the needs of Veterans experiencing homelessness,” said Jessica Majano, Acting CDCE Chief. “We collaborate closely with the VA Homeless Program and other service departments with whom we have established strong relationships over the years,” she added.
VA Portland’s CDCE staff maintains a needs list specific to the Homeless Program, which includes essential items such as coats, gloves, scarves, hats and other articles of warm clothing. This process ensures that donations are allocated where they are most needed, supporting Veterans in crisis and helping them achieve stability.
“By working together, we uphold fairness, transparency, and alignment with the mission of the VA Portland Health Care System,” Majano said.
This initiative was made possible thanks to the leadership of Melissa Aballa, Supervisory Supply Management Specialist who sparked this initiative, and with guidance from Majano, the concept gained momentum. Together, they navigated approvals and partnered with VA Portland leadership and stakeholders to make it a reality.
“By meeting this critical need, we help Veterans stay safe and healthy during the winter months, reduce barriers to care, and reinforce our commitment to supporting those who served,” Majano said. “This effort strengthens our ability to connect Veterans with additional resources, including housing programs, health care, and community support.”
Majano also wanted to thank Supply Chain Management for overseeing picking up and delivering donated items to Voluntary Services at the Vancouver campus, and VA Portland’s Voluntary Service Specialist, Dawn Schultz and our amazing volunteer Bea Close, for collecting and distributing donated items in Vancouver. Jessica Majano also recognizes the Portland CDCE team, including Kristina Hays, Voluntary Service Assistant, and volunteers Karen Grange and Lisa Clark, for sorting and counting clothing. Additional thanks to Phu Nyguen (Vancouver) and Taylor Pagano (Portland Canteen Services) for assisting with item collection.
“What an honor and privilege (it has been) to be able to sort and distribute these donated items to our deserving Veterans,” said Bea Close, VA Portland’s volunteer.
Plans are already underway for a similar event in 2026, with a focus on collecting warm clothing items such as coats, jackets, thermal wear, gloves, hats, and socks to help Veterans during the colder months.
For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please contact VA Portland Voluntary Services at vhapor-voluntaryservice@va.gov.