VETERAN PROFILE: Walter’s Story
October 3, 2011HVAF of Indiana, Inc. receives housing award
October 7, 2011Eli Lilly and Company volunteers turn courtyard into a relaxing setting
Albert Camus, a French novelist once said “Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present,” and that is proving to be true as volunteers lend their time and talent to help homeless veterans in Indiananapolis, Ind.
On Wednesday, October 6, 2011, an army of 70 red-shirted volunteers with Eli Lilly and Company rolled up their sleeves at HVAF of Indiana, Inc. to help paint a mural in the courtyard of HVAF’s newest property. In mid-October the newly rehabbed Manchester Apartments will be home to 51 previously homeless veterans. Volunteers also spent the day organizing HVAF’s warehouse where donations are housed.
Today’s effort is part of the forth annual Lilly Global Day of Service, when 24-thousand employees of Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Company volunteer in community service day projects in 39 countries around the world. Event organizations estimate the value of the 35-thousand hours of volunteer labor plus the materials and supplies at nearly $2-million for the day for Indianapolis.
“It’s been very heartwarming for me knowing that this will be home to 51 veterans and seeing all the volunteers help out has been amazing,” says Miller. I have a heart for veterans; my father was a veteran and so was I.”
“The partnership with HVAF and Halstead Architects has been a positive one and the project which started in February 2011, will be completed on schedule, thanks in part, to volunteers from Eli Lilly and Company,” adds Miller.
As the day of volunteering comes to an end, the mural is complete. It features trees, flowers and deer, and will now be a relaxing setting for 51 men and women who served our country.
