A drive-through version of the annual Veterans Stand Down takes place this year on Veterans Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In years past, the Stand Down offered services, a meal, and camaraderie to hundreds of veterans of all ages and backgrounds, but the pandemic has limited the event to a distribution to people rolling by in their cars.
Donations are still being accepted at the Santa Maria event website , and especially in need this year are personal hygiene producst such as soaps and shampoos, toothbrushes and toothpaste, socks, T-shirts, and also small gift cards and the year's top need — face coverings or masks.
While the event takes place around the nation, in Santa Barbara County, the drive-throughs pop-up at the Santa Barbara Job Center at 130 East Ortega Street, Goodwill Industries in Lompoc at 1009 North H Street, and the county building in Santa Maria at 511 East Lakeside Parkway. At the location in Santa Maria, two housing providers on hand and a jobs placement agency will also be on hand.
For veterans who are seeking to update their resume, practice for job interviews, or find resources, a library card allows access to JobNow and VetNow from Brainfuse through the Goleta and Santa Ynez libraries and the California State Library. To access the information, click here .