It’s hard to imagine serving your country, only to return home without the support and dignity you deserve.
Unfortunately, that’s the reality for too many veterans, and it’s what inspired Jeanne Loveland Freiberger and Shirley Lyons to act.
For more than a decade, Jeanne and Shirley have been quietly serving those who once served us, homeless veterans in the Bay Area who are too often overlooked and forgotten. Each winter, they assemble care bags filled with essentials like gloves, hats, toiletries, and gift cards, bringing comfort, dignity, and a sense of belonging to those facing life on the streets.
The inspiration came 11 years ago when Jeanne met two sisters in their 80s who collected hotel toiletries to share with homeless women veterans. Learning that many female veterans, after giving so much, were living without basic support struck a deep chord. Together with friends like Shirley, Jeanne decided to do something. What started as a few bags of toiletries has since grown into an annual community effort, with dozens of volunteers and VA Chaplains distributing gifts of care each holiday season.
With support from a $1,000 Kindness Grant, Jeanne and Shirley are adding a new layer of impact this year: solar-powered lanterns and portable chargers for every veteran they serve. In addition, puffer jackets for the women, and puffer vests for the men. These small but powerful tools help veterans stay safe and warm, keep their phones charged, and maintain vital connections, whether to loved ones, caseworkers, or emergency services. It’s a simple act of kindness that can make a profound difference in both safety and peace of mind. But beyond the items themselves, what Jeanne and Shirley are really delivering is acknowledgment. A reminder to these veterans that they are seen, valued, and remembered.
This project beautifully embodies our Pathways to Mental Health Resiliency pillar. By offering both practical care and emotional connection, Jeanne and Shirley are helping restore dignity and hope to those who’ve sacrificed so much. As one VA Chaplain shared, “The Veteran who picked up the bags was once homeless. As [they] looked at the bag’s contents, the Veteran became emotional. [They] wanted me to let you know that the bags are needed and will help homeless Veterans during this time of the year.”
That’s the ripple of kindness in action. One moment of care creating waves of impact that extend far beyond the holidays.
We’re proud to support Jeanne and Shirley’s mission and the volunteers behind it. Their work shows how small acts – a warm hat, a working flashlight, a moment of care – can make a lasting impact.
To support, Shirley and Jeanne can be reached at [email protected]
Photo Courtesy of Shirley Lyons