Veterans Northeast Outreach Center recently received a substantial gift from AutoFair Subaru of Haverhill.
AutoFair Subaru General Manager Michael Perry presented a check for $12,768 to Veterans Northeast as part of Subaru’s annual “Share the Love Event,” in which participating retailers donated more than $145 million to charity. The money will be used to support services for veterans and their families.
“Customers picked one of five local charities and many of them chose VNOC,” Perry said. “It’s a wonderful program and a way for us to give back.” He explained the philosophy behind the Share the Love Event, which takes place annually in November and December, represents a core concept at their dealership and Subaru.
“We may not always do what is in our best interests for our bottom line, but we always do what is best for our customers, employees and the community,” he said. “We firmly believe in this philosophy.”
VNOC’s John Ford, who accepted the check behalf of the nonprofit agency, said the donation was put to immediate use.
“These unrestricted funds are so important, because we can apply them directly to services for veterans and their families, including food, household items and so much more,” he said.
Founded in 1985, Veterans Northeast Outreach Center provides basic food and shelter, housing, advocacy, counseling, peer support, case management, employment and education to veterans and their families throughout Essex, Middlesex and Barnstable Counties in Massachusetts.