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2,500 “Buckets for Vets” packed at Ocean State Job Lot, for PA veterans in need of winter items.
Photos: Courtesy Ocean State Job Lot
Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), the region’s premier discount retail chain with 153 stores across the Northeast, and its Charitable Foundation, today filled more than 2,500 ‘Buckets for Vets’ to provide veterans and military families at risk with warm coats, protective clothing and essential cold-weather supplies to aid them during the winter months.
The buckets were filled by volunteers from OSJL, the Rhode Island State Police, RI National Guard, Seabees, VFW, American Legion, Electric Boat Veterans Foundation, LaSalle Academy, Rocky Hill School, and more. Prominent Rhode Island leaders including Governor Dan McKee, Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman Gabe Amo, Kasim Yarn, Director, RI Office of Veterans Services, and General Christopher Callahan were also on-hand to lend their support.
Each bucket contains a winter coat rated for temperatures down to 0ºF, hat, gloves, scarf, insulated socks, hand and feet warmers, health and hygiene kits (including toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, bar soap, wipes, and tissues), a first-aid supply pack, water, and additional essential items.
The assembled buckets will be transported by OSJL to the Philadelphia Sports Complex in Pennsylvania on November 15, escorted by the Rhode Island State Police. Upon arrival, the Philadelphia Phillies, 76ers, Eagles, Flyers, and local community volunteers will distribute the buckets to veterans’ organizations, first responders, and other groups to reach veterans in need.
Pennsylvania has the largest veteran population in the Northeast, with Philadelphia accounting for a significant number of veterans without permanent housing, second only to New York City in the region.
“Our ‘Buckets for Vets’ program is part of a longstanding effort by OSJL to not only address immediate needs but also to foster a sense of community and support for those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country,” said David Sarlitto, Executive Director, Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation. “Every bucket filled today is a powerful reminder of our commitment to veterans and military families who face hardships, especially during the coldest months of the year. We are deeply grateful to the incredible volunteers, community partners, and leaders who came together to support this cause.”
In addition to “Buckets for Vets,” OSJL offers year-round support for veterans and military families through programs such as the “Military and Veteran Deal Days,” which runs from November 7th to November 13th. During this period, veterans, active military members, and their families receive a Crazy Deal® gift card worth 40% of any in-store purchase of $20.00 or more. In collaboration with its customers, the OSJL Charitable Foundation also operates the annual “Buy, Give, Get” program, providing backpacks, bicycles, winter coats, and more to veterans across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and even expanding support to hurricane-affected areas in the Southeast.
About Ocean State Job Lot: Founded in 1977, Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) is a growing, privately held discount retail chain with 153 stores in New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, approximately 5,600 employees, and annual sales exceeding $800 million. OSJL Shoppers find an ever-changing array of brand name, first-quality merchandise at closeout prices, including household goods, apparel, pet supplies, seasonal products (holiday, gardening, patio, pool, and beach supplies), and kitchen pantry staples at a fraction of their typical price. The company was named a four-time “Best Employer” by Forbes® Magazine*, a four-time US Best Managed Company by Deloitte, one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families 2024 by Newsweek, a three-time winner of the Inspiring Workplaces in North America Award, and a Global Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces winner. *Ocean State Job Lot is not affiliated with Forbes®.
The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation has a long history of philanthropic leadership, supporting numerous causes, including feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, assisting veterans and military families, aiding animal rescue, caring for children, advancing healthcare, supporting the arts, and promoting learning. The Foundation’s operational, administrative, and overhead expenses are covered by Ocean State Job Lot, not the Foundation, ensuring that 100% of every dollar raised through the Foundation goes directly to helping those in need. Ocean State Job Lot is headquartered in the Quonset Point Business Park at 375 Commerce Park Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852. Phone: (401) 295-2672; Website: OceanStateJobLot.com.