The VA Outpatient Clinic, 600 U.S. 31-W By-Pass, will hold its first free Veterans Shopping Day at 10 a.m. July 9 with all kinds of clothing and supplies for veterans.

Licensed practical nurse Michelle Mudd said the clinic started the clothing drive June 6 and will continue accepting donations until Wednesday so organizers will have time to get everything together for the event.

“The community has come together with bringing donations in,” Mudd said. “People have brought stuff from several counties around us.”

Mudd said she came up with the idea to have the event when she was cleaning out her closet one day. She said another nurse usually takes items for homeless people under the College Street bridge, and Mudd thought it would be a good idea to have shopping day.

“I would rather give them a chance to pick out stuff they want and that fits them instead of stuff being handed to them,” she said. “This way gives them the opportunity to find something they like or that fits their needs or their interests and, of course, it’s all free.”

The clinic received several items for the upcoming event such as men’s shirts of all styles, pants, business suits, hats, pajamas, shoes, socks, ties, toothbrushes, soap and women’s items as well. The clinic is trying to get more items for women. Lunch will be provided by several local restaurants, and there will also be a free raffle of gift cards.

“This clothing drive has turned into a life of its own. We are truly blessed in this community to have such an outpouring of support for our homeless veterans and veterans in general, and we are so excited to be able to help them,” said Penny Ritchie, clinic operations director.

Ritchie said having the shopping event is the least they can do for what veterans have done for the nation.

“It’s something to give back,” primary care social worker Tangela Babb said. “They kind of get to pick what they want instead of just handing them something that they don’t need or can’t wear.”

Mudd said the clinic has had some homeless veterans come in for care, and the clinic wants to make sure they’re able to take care of their non-health care needs.

“We’re looking at taking care of our guys who took care of us. We don’t want anybody having to wear sweats in the summer time or shorts in the winter,” Mudd said.

To shop, veterans must have a valid ID or discharge papers or some kind of proof that they are a veteran.

— For more information, call the VA Outpatient Clinic at 270-782-0120.

— Follow faith/general assignments reporter Simone C. Payne on Twitter @SimonePayne or visit bgdailynews.com.