‘Serving those who served’ is group’s daily challenge

Dallas W. wants an extra-large coat, a phone card and a bus pass.

Tanika S. wants tarot cards, notebooks and peanut butter-and-chocolate cookies.

These are just a few of the 140 Christmas wish lists that U.S. Vets and Homeless Partners hope the Las Vegas Valley community will fulfill by Monday when they are supposed to get their gifts.

“Only half of them have received anything at all, and they have shared some of their life stories and poured their hearts out,” said Jennie Keeran, co-founder of Homeless Partners who helped arrange for these veterans to put their stories and Christmas requests on the Web at homelesspartners.com.

For example, William M., who is assigned identification No. 08061958, arrived in Las Vegas three weeks ago from Ohio.

“I came to Las Vegas looking for work and did not plan too well,” he wrote. “I love listening to music. My biggest challenge is security. I would like others to pray for my good fortune in being here at U.S. Vets. Thank you and have a Merry Christmas.”

Dallas W. grew up in Missouri and moved to California.

He’s been in Las Vegas five months for a job transfer.

“I am encouraged by my friends and doing things for others. I enjoy learning about history, writing, sports and hiking,” he wrote.

Tanika S. is from Boston and came to Las Vegas in May.

“I came here because of financial difficulties when some accessed my bank account without authority,” she wrote. “I get encouraged by the goodness of the people here at U.S. Vets and the treats and goodies they give us. My interest is in volunteering. My biggest challenge is living a new life. Please pray for me to have stability and good health.”

According to U.S. Vets, there are more than 4,000 homeless veterans in Las Vegas.

U.S. Vets, located at 525 E. Bonanza Road, is the local operating site for the United States Veterans Initiative. Its motto is “Serving those who served,” according to the website usvetsinc.org.

“Veterans are homeless as a result of lack of affordable housing, medical or mental health issues, substance abuse and unemployment,” according to a news release about honoring veterans with a holiday wish-list present.

“At U.S. Vets, veterans are learning life skills, reuniting with family, getting jobs and basically rebuilding their lives.”

Contact reporter Keith Rogers at krogers@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0308.