Fundraiser to aid veterans' support group

Jena Tyree left the garage sale at her neighbor's house on Boonville Road last year with more than a few gently-used items; she had an awareness of veterans and their needs in this community.

This year, she joined dozens of volunteers with When the Yellow Ribbon Fades, Missouri's Joining Forces to host the third annual garage sale 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at 322 Boonville Road in Jefferson City.

This is the only fundraising event for the 2-year-old organization, which supports veterans in unexpected crises.

Charlene Morff and her daughter, Gabrielle, have volunteered for the garage sale each year because they know first-hand what it's like for a veteran's family to receive help in a crisis. Their husband and father is 100 percent disabled; and before When the Yellow Ribbon Fades, Missouri's Joining Forces was created, they received help from Pat Kerr and her connections as the former Missouri Veterans Commission ombudsman.

"There's a huge need, and a simple act is huge to them and rewarding," Tyree said.

Last year, the 501(c)3 nonprofit's garage sale filled 30 tables and nine tents. Donations or purchases can be a tax write-off.

All funds go directly to veterans through the volunteer-led organization, which partners with existing organizations as often as possible. The organization's primary goal is to help veterans become self-sustaining and make a long-term positive impact.

Donations to the garage sale are still being received by volunteers or dropping off at 322 Boonville Road. Men's coats, in particular, are sought.

In addition to the traditional garage sale items, homemade wreaths will be available and neighborhood children will serve lemonade.

Throughout the year, When The Yellow Ribbon Fades, Missouri's Joining Forces is supported with regular gifts from local veterans' service organizations, as well as individual donations.

So far, the organization averages serving five veterans each week, Kerr said. The next step is to find a storage building for the furniture, appliances and household goods kept on hand for when veterans have housing needs.

Shoppers on Saturday should park on the southbound side of Boonville Road.

"This is a good cause; I think it makes God smile," Gabrielle Morff said.