Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation Partners with the City of Philadelphia and its Professional Sports Teams to Distribute 2,500 “Buckets for Vets” Kits to Support Local Veterans and Military Families
North Kingstown, RI – (November 15, 2024) – Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), the region’s premier discount retail chain with 153 stores across the Northeast and its Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with Philadelphia’s professional sports teams, gathered at the Philadelphia Sports Complex today to distribute 2,500 “Buckets for Vets” kits to first responders, state and local police, and various veteran service organizations. Each bucket contains a warm winter coat, gloves, scarves, insulated socks, and other essential cold-weather items to help vulnerable veterans face the upcoming winter.
The buckets were unloaded from two Ocean State Job Lot tractor trailers and then loaded into the vehicles of first responders by area volunteers to be delivered to veterans in need. City leaders including Kenyatta Johnson, President of the Philadelphia City Council; representatives from the city’s sports teams; local veterans’ organizations; first responders; community volunteers; and representatives from the Pennsylvania National Guard were on hand to show support and lend a helping hand.
“Our ‘Buckets for Vets’ program is just one aspect of an overall effort to support veterans, active military personnel and their families – especially during the cold winter months,” said David Sarlitto, Executive Director, Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation. “Every bucket distributed today is a powerful reminder that those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country need our help now. We are grateful to the incredible volunteers, community partners, and leaders who came together to support this cause.”
The “Buckets for Vets” kits were assembled in Rhode Island at the Ocean State Job Lot Headquarters Distribution Center on November 2nd, where volunteers, including Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island congressional delegates, and Ocean State Job Lot associates, came together to prepare the kits for transport. Escorted by the Rhode Island State Police into the Sports Complex, the buckets were offloaded and distributed by volunteers.
Philadelphia hosts one of the largest veteran populations in the Northeast.
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,” and 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.
