Supporters of The Youngstown Blue Coats

MOAA WARMS THE HOMELESS WITH A DONATION TO THE YOUNGSTOWN BLUE COATS

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) - Mahoning and Shenango Valleys Chapter met Friday October 17 at A La Cart Catering in Canfield, Ohio to donate $2500 to the Youngstown Blue Coats (YBC) to assist the region’s homeless population with warm weather clothing and other necessities.

Founded by President and Chief Executive Officer Ms. Patty Summers in 2017, YBC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation and the region’s premier advocate providing coats, hats, gloves, sleeping bags, boots, tents, tarps, and socks to the area’s homeless population, with a special emphasis on veterans of the armed forces.  According to Ms. Summers, the Blue Coats do not wait for those in need to come to them; with a specially modified bus they actively seek homeless individuals throughout the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys and as far away as Pittsburgh, PA, often venturing to secluded encampments not visible to the public.

Led by chapter member Joseph Mersol, funding for the donation was provided by the MOAA Foundation’s Community Outreach program, which provides grants to MOAA councils and chapters delivering direct assistance to their local communities in nine areas of critical need, with donations coming from corporate, foundation and public donations.

For those wishing to visit, donate to, or volunteer, The Youngstown Blue Coats are located at 2654 North Main Street in Hubbard, OH and can be reached at 330-531-1762, via email at ytownbluecoats@gmail.com, and letter mail at Youngstown Blue Coats, PO Box 224, Hubbard, Ohio 44425.

Photos by David DiTallo, MSVC-MOAA:

1. Military Officers Association of America - Mahoning and Shenango Valleys Chapter presented a $2500 MOAA Foundation Community Grant to the Youngstown Blue Coats (YBS) at its October 17 Lunch Meeting.  Pictured (left to right) are chapter President Rod Hosler, YBS Founder/President Ms. Patty Summers, YBS Vice President/Warehouse Supervisor Ms. Roseann Panning, and chapter member Joseph Mersol, who secured the MOAA grant.
2. Military Officers Association of America - Mahoning and Shenango Valleys Chapter President Rod Hosler (right) welcomed Youngstown Blue Coats President/Founder Ms. Patty Summers to its October 17 Lunch Meeting to discuss the group’s work providing clothing and basic necessities to area homeless and receive a $2500 MOAA Foundation Community Grant.
3. Military Officers Association of America - Mahoning and Shenango Valleys Chapter Treasurer Bruce Bille (right) presents a $2500 MOAA Foundation Community Grant to Youngstown Blue Coats President/Founder Ms. Patty Summers (left) at its October 17 Lunch Meeting.
4. Youngstown Blue Coat staffers attended the October 17 Military Officers Association of America - Mahoning and Shenango Valleys Chapter Lunch Meeting to receive a $2500 MOAA Foundation Community Grant.  From left to right are:  Mr. Richard Roth, Ms. Roseann Panning, Ms. Patty Summer, and Mr.. John Johnston.