Scranton Groups Launch Veterans Holiday Drive
Scranton Tomorrow and the Rotary Club of Scranton are collecting clothing, toiletries and art supplies for local veterans through Thursday.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Scranton Tomorrow and the Rotary Club of Scranton launched a holiday collection drive for local veterans, seeking clothing, personal care products and art supplies. Donations will be delivered to the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center on Saturday.
Why it matters
The drive gives Scranton residents a direct way to support veterans during the holiday season. The organizers said the stated goal is to provide service to veterans through local donations.
The Northeast Theatre Dance Academy in Dunmore has collected 275 pairs of socks, each tagged with a thank-you note. Rotary District 7410, which includes more than 40 clubs across Northeast Pennsylvania, helped spread word of the drive, but overall donation totals have not yet been reported.
The players
Rotary Club of Scranton
A local chapter of Rotary International, the global service organization, which is partnering on the veterans drive and will honor several Gino Merli staff members on Saturday.
Scranton Tomorrow
A Scranton community organization that operates the drop-off office at 317 Linden St. and is co-organizing the collection drive.
Martha Peak Helman
A Rotary International director who will deliver donations to the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center on Saturday morning.
The details
Ty Holmes, president of the Rotary Club of Scranton, and Scranton Tomorrow officials worked with Gino Merli Veterans Center staff to organize the drive. Organizers are seeking sweatpants, sweatshirts, T-shirts, belts, toiletries such as shampoo, body wash, deodorant, razors, shaving cream and tissues, plus canvases, coloring books and crayons.
Timeline
Through Thursday: Donations accepted at Scranton Tomorrow's office at 317 Linden St., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday morning: Rotary and Scranton Tomorrow officials deliver donations to the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center on Penn Avenue.
Market Landscape
The drive reflects how Rotary District 7410, which spans more than 40 clubs in Northeast Pennsylvania, channels local service projects through a regional network. Its reach helped spread the Scranton collection effort beyond a single club.
Residents can drop off clothing, toiletries and art supplies at 317 Linden St. through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Items such as socks, sweatpants and toiletries will go directly to veterans at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center on Penn Avenue.
The takeaway
Local groups are asking residents to donate practical items like socks, toiletries and clothing this week, with drop-off available at Scranton Tomorrow's office. Small everyday items can make a visible difference for veterans during the holidays.
What happens next
Donations can be dropped off at Scranton Tomorrow's office at 317 Linden St. through Thursday, and delivery to the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center is scheduled for Saturday morning.
Further reading
Explore more Scranton philanthropy coverage for local giving efforts.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Scranton Times-Tribune.
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