It seems Southport Central School students couldn’t wait until Flag Day to show their patriotism. On June 13, students donated $2,000 to Boothbay V.E.T.S., Inc. to support the nonprofit’s effort to provide temporary shelter to veterans. In 2020, Vietnam veterans Ed Harmon, Arthur Richardson and John Hargreaves began V.E.T.S., Inc. as a non-profit organization.

The trio came up with a temporary solution for a long-term problem. They began building mobile mini shelters equipped with a bed, eating table, work counter, microwave oven, mini refrigerator, chair, nightstand, lights and a heater. They also created a name for their endeavor, Boothbay V.E.T.S., Inc. (Veterans Emergency Temporary Shelter). The mini-shelter’s purpose was to show state and federal officials how temporary housing would benefit veterans who are homeless and awaiting assistance. 

The group’s dedication to their fellow veterans has created 35 mobile shelters deployed across the state. Duncan Scott is a fifth grader who appreciates the group’s dedication to our veterans and wanted to promote their cause. He recommended his school donate $2,000.

In a letter to classmates, he wrote: “I think we should donate 2000 dollars to the V.E.T.S. organization. I think vets should not be living on the street after what they went through and what they gave. The V.E.T.S. organization builds trailers for the homeless vets. This would provide the veterans with shelter and safety from outside elements and other threats. I think we owe them that after what they did for us. This organization is a non-profit. There are no workers, only volunteers. The money we donate would go 100% to building trailers for homeless veterans. Thank you, for listening. Duncan Scott, Grade 5 Southport Central School.”

Harmon and Richardson met Scott during the last day school. Harmon described the experience of receiving a donation from elementary school students as overwhelming. “Kids have hearts and they know what is going on more than people think.”