Bellevue, Nebraska-Fill the hearts of veterans in time before Veterans Day. The Veterans Service Center of Bellevue University is collecting items to fill veterans' backpacks.

At the beginning, it only collected a few items. Nine years later, the Veterans Service Center continued to develop to help more and more veterans.

"We are constantly growing and trying to provide a large number of items for those who have recently become homeless. We want them to know that we care about them and help them weather the cold weather at this time of the year," JR Richardson said. Veterans Center.

They hope to fill 100 backpacks with hats, gloves, scarves and personal belongings. For men, they need things like razors and shaving cream. For women, they need things like feminine hygiene products and leggings.

Bellevue University was founded by a veteran, so they said that it is appropriate for them to help veterans as much as possible.

You can even buy wholesale goods online at backpacksusa.com.

Cash donations are also accepted to buy hand warmers and snacks.

Richardson, who is also a veteran, said that it is an honor to be able to help veterans.

"For me, this is the ultimate life,'thank you,' being able to continue to take care of veterans, especially during the hard fighting times that have left so many people homeless," he said.

Nationwide, approximately 20% of the homeless are veterans. Locally, hundreds of veterans seek asylum in Sienna Francis House every year.

Veterans Day is Thursday, November 11. Backpacks will be distributed at Sienna Francis House.

You can drop off items at the Bellevue Veterans Service Center at 2108 Havel Avenue, Bellevue (866) 676-3614 or Sienna Francis House, 1131 North 18th Street, Omaha (402) 341-182.