Columbus Club Veteran’s Holiday Tradition Continues

"Over the last 10 years, we have survived poor weather, three years of a pandemic, and even a major bridge closure, yet the R.I. Knights of Columbus have increased their donation every year and continue to support our Veterans as we have ever since World War I," said ROVAC coordinator Steven Perry.  Remember Our Veterans at Christmas or ‘ROVAC’ is a giving mission started over a decade ago by East Providence residents and EPHS graduates Tony DeJesus and Steven Perry.  Perry is also the recent past Grand Knight of East Providence Council 1528 and the RI state ROVAC coordinator as well as Columbus Club publicity director. “The members don’t tire of collecting gifts for our Veteran’s Home residents,” said Perry last month. “Operation ROVAC is in the books for 2023. Our East Providence Knights of Columbus and Knights Councils across the state collected brand new clothing and toiletries for the residents at the R.I. Veterans Home in Bristol, R.I.  In our 10th year members continue to be enthusiastic. We are quite pleased that our recent Christmas delivery to the Veteran’s home in Bristol was the largest to date,” said Perry who oversees the volunteer operation.  

“As usual, our East Providence Council 1528 was joined by Knights from most Councils throughout Rhode Island and receive donations here in East Providence. Mayor Bob DaSilva also donates and is a big help every year,” adds Perry. The Council has adjusted since COVID and is just about back to a ‘normal operation.’  “Our volunteers organized, boxed, and delivered our largest collection in this, our 10th year of supporting the R.I. Veterans Home in Bristol, RI.  We rented and filled a UHAUL truck. It was our smoothest effort yet,” said Perry.  Some of the items collected were board games and playing cards, socks, underwear, comfy pajamas and slippers.  Also, sweats, sweaters, gloves, jackets, scarves, clothing, books and other gift sets. 

The Rhode Island Veterans Home is a 110-acre complex on Mount Hope Bay in Bristol with about 208 beds. The home provides nursing and residential care to Rhode Island war veterans. Some of the services provided include social, medical, nursing and rehabilitative services.

"We've gradually grown every year and one hundred percent of all donations get to the Veteran's Home and we do our best to honor our veterans,” said Perry. Perry and his volunteers are already discussing ways to make next year’s effort even bigger. “It’s almost a year-round effort. We want to increase our donations each year.”