Every Third Saturday (ETS) originated in 2009 following a chance comment during the retrieval of quilts from a small church in Wisconsin. As they were wrapping up the collection, the topic of homeless veterans arose in casual conversation. A woman named Deb Marrier at the church, visibly moved, inquired if he had mentioned "homeless veterans." Confirming, he explained our past efforts of acquiring supplies on a small scale and distributing them to homeless veterans in the Twin Cities. Deb shared that she and her husband, Scott, along with their family, had been discussing ways to address the issue for a month but were unsure where to start. The Marriers desired tangible actions to assist veterans living in challenging conditions, whether in cars, under bridges, in the woods, or any safe shelter. Unbeknownst to him then, Every Third Saturday was born in that moment.
Over the years, the collection and distribution of numerous items, ranging from blankets used in VA hospitals to homemade bags facilitating easier mobility, have greatly aided countless veterans. The Hands Foundation's donations, collected years ago and delivered to the Twin Cities, have been instrumental in making this initiative possible.
The combined efforts of The Hands Foundation and the Marrier family have had an immeasurable impact on our ability to support homeless veterans in the Twin Cities. Furthermore, our relationships have evolved into genuine friendships, enhancing our effectiveness in serving others. Every Third Saturday remains grateful to the Marrier family for their generosity and unwavering energy. We anticipate many more years of collaborative service as we persist in providing assistance to veterans facing challenges post-service, including areas such as employment, finances, relationships, health, and faith.
Faith remains the cornerstone of all ETS endeavors and will forever be our foundation. While modern medicine and psychiatry can address physical and emotional injuries, we believe the soul's wounds that many veterans grapple with require divine intervention and a belief in a greater purpose.
ETS commits to accompanying veterans and their families as they discover purpose, find a passion for service within that purpose, and embark on post-service growth. We firmly believe that there is no better remedy than being in a community with other veterans and their families, rediscovering purpose, and serving a cause larger than ourselves.
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