SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—County Executive Shapiro is proud to announce a contribution of $10,000 to support the Summit County Stand Down and its mission to support veterans in the County. Founded in 2005, the Laura Williams Dunlop Memorial Stand Down is an annual day of community-based programming to help homeless and displaced veterans prepare for the winter months. For 18 years, the Summit County Stand Down has continued this work and helped thousands of residents.
This year’s Stand Down is on September 12 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Guy’s Party Center in Akron. It will provide free breakfast and lunch, health services and screenings, job information and training, legal aid, clothing and hygiene products, and friends and chaplains to talk to throughout the day. Transportation will be free through Akron METRO line #15 by showing a digital or physical copy of the flyer.
“We owe it to our veterans to provide them with the basic services that they have more than earned,” said County Executive Shapiro, “In total, Summit County has provided $70,000 in support of Stand Down and we continue to encourage our community partners to step up for Stand Down and support our veterans.”
Summit County’s annual commitment to the Stand Down began in 2016 after a fire destroyed donated items intended for homeless and displaced veterans. In response, Summit County “Stepped Up for Stand Down” and donated funds to fill the gap in supplies. This funding soon became an annual tradition.
“With a family member currently serving in the military, I know just how much our veterans have sacrificed for Summit County and the nation,” said District 6 Councilmember Christine Wiedie Higham. “The annual Stand Down is a hand up, not a hand-out and a chance to show our veterans in need that we support them.”
For more information, including how to volunteer and donate, visit https://co.summitoh.net/2023StandDown.
What: Summit County Stand Down/Veteran’s Appreciation Day
Who: Summit County Stand Down
When: September 12, 2023 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Guy’s Party Center, 500 E. Waterloo Rd., Akron
