Stuart to Host Veterans’ Fair and Blood Drive in Collinsville

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – To connect veterans with local, state and federal resources, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, will be holding a Veterans’ Fair in conjunction with a Community Blood Drive. The event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the American Legion Post 365, located at 1022 Vandalia St. in Collinsville.

“Those who have served our country deserve to be aware of all of the programs and services we can offer to them here at home,” said Stuart. “In Springfield, I work on legislation to improve professional, educational, and health services for veterans’ and their family members. However, it’s equally important to raise awareness about the great resources we have locally for veterans to get help as soon as they need it.”

Stuart’s Veterans’ Fair will host various local program and service providers. While the services are primarily for veterans, people of all ages can attend to receive information that can benefit their families and neighbors. While at the fair, attendees can donate blood through the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. Appointments to donate can be made at www.bloodcenterimpact.org/donor. In addition to vendors, a representative from Stuart’s office will be collecting old cell phones to donate to the program ‘Cell Phones for Soldiers.’ This event is open to the public and free to attend, no RSVP required.

“By gathering all of these organizations and services under one roof, the Veterans’ Fair will act as a one-stop-shop for a variety of questions anyone may have,” said Stuart. “I’d like to thank all of the organizations dedicating their time to set up a table at the fair and educate our community.”

If you are interested in registering your organization as a vendor, contact Stuart’s constituent service office at RepKatieStuart@gmail.com or 618-365-6650. Vendor registration will end on Oct. 30.