In a display of community unity and compassion, the Johnston Senior Provider Collaboration Committee (JSPCC) recently led a regional effort to collect essential food and hygiene items for Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI), a nonprofit organization run by veterans for veterans.

The initiative brought together dozens of senior care providers, healthcare centers, and community organizations across Rhode Island to support OSDRI’s mission of assisting homeless and at-risk veterans. Entirely dependent on donations, and community support, OSDRI delivers critical services that help veterans overcome personal challenges and regain stability and independence.

“We at the JSPCC are deeply committed to our founding principles of community support, outreach to those in need, and serving our aging seniors,” said Maurizio Marchese,

President of the JSPCC Board. “This food and hygiene drive reflects those values and honors the service and sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans.”

A key partner in the effort was the Johnston Senior Center, which volunteered to be the headquarters and provide space for donation coordination and logistics.

“The JohnstonSeniorCentercontinuestobeavitalpartnerinallouroutreachefforts,” said Michael Mangasian, Secretary of the JSPCC Board. “Their hospitality,generosity,andheartforservicemadethisinitiativepossible.”

The campaign received overwhelming support from the local healthcare and senior living community. Contributing partners included:

Morgan Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

The Bridge at Cherry Hill

Anchor Bay Pocasset

Cherry Hill Manor

The Johnston Senior Center

Anchor Bay East Providence

Evergreen House Health Center

Atria Lincoln Place

Chapel Hill

Heritage Hills Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

Lincolnwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

Elmhurst Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

Riverview Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

Home Smart – Paula Allin

Assisted Living Locators – Nicole Tartaglione

Advanced Wellness Pharmacy

Care Forth

Harmony Hospice

The Alliance for Better Long-Term Care

In addition to the food and hygiene drive, residents at Morgan Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center created hand-knittedblanketstobedistributedtofamilieswithyoungchildreninneed.

“It’s inspiring to see our seniors giving back many of whom are veterans themselves. Their care and generosity are reminders that no act of kindness is too small to make an impact,” said Robert Sechio Administrator of Morgan Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center.

With the success of this initiative, the JSPCC reaffirms its commitment to service,

collaboration, and advocacy ensuring that no veteran or vulnerable senior is left behind.

For more information about Operation Stand Down Rhode Island or to find out how to contribute, please visit www.osdri.org.