Catholic youth group helps collect items for homeless veterans Published Nov. 18, 2011 By Vivian Maheu Catholic Community Kirtland Air Force Base Chapel Kirtland AIr Force Base -- For Veterans Day, the Catholic Community Youth Group at the Kirtland Air Force Base Chapel and the St. Charles Borromeo Confirmation Class partnered for a collection drive of items needed at the New Mexico Veterans Integration Center. The NMVIC provides transitional housing for homeless veterans, employment training and support services. The NMVIC also reaches out to homeless veterans not housed at the center, regularly going out to distribute food and clothing to those in need. Currently, more than 5,000 homeless veterans live in New Mexico, with 3,000 in the Albuquerque area. The present NMVIC lodging can house 50 single residents, but the organization is working diligently toward the goal of a facility that will accommodate all veterans -- male, female and those with families. The youth enthusiastically publicized the drive, held in both communities Nov. 5 and 6. They inventoried, loaded and delivered the donations, involving their families to increase manpower. They garnered more than 1,200 personal hygiene products, non-perishable food items, cookware and small appliances, with an estimated value of $4,200. The veterans said they were extremely grateful for the donations, and they were especially impressed by the youth involvement. NMVIC operations director Rose James said she looks forward to working with them on future service projects. For more information about the NMVIC, visit www.nmvic.org or call 265-0512.