Spearheaded by Legislator Chad Lennon, Suffolk County officials, law enforcement representatives, and representatives from veterans’ advocacy organizations such as Paws of War gathered this week to announce the launch of the 2026 Veterans Supply Drive.
Lennon, a United States Marine Corps veteran and Vice Chair of the Legislature’s Veterans Committee, said the partnership reflects the county’s ongoing commitment to supporting those who served.
“We will continue to work together in this county,” he said. “The partnership of my office with the County Clerk and PBA to support General Needs is another example of how we work together in this County to support our Veteran community.”
The drive will specifically focus on collecting new socks, underwear, and T-shirts—items often overlooked but urgently needed by veterans experiencing homelessness. Donations will be delivered to General Needs, a nonprofit that packs these essentials into duffle bags and distributes them directly to veterans.
“When I started General Needs 18 years ago, I was actually called ‘the underwear man,’” said General Needs founder Lonnie Sherman. “Veterans should not have to go without underwear… nothing happens unless you have a pair of underwear.”
Collection sites include all Suffolk County police precincts, as well as Lennon’s district office in Rocky Point and County Clerk Vincent Puleo’s office in Riverhead.
Suffolk County PBA President Lou Civello emphasized the importance of addressing the basic needs of local veterans. “We're very happy to help get the ball rolling with these donations from the PBA, but we know that we shouldn't have to. We know that we should do a better job taking care of our veterans,” he said.“It says something about our society, when our Veterans—the people that, without which, we would not have a country—don't have the basic necessities… Veterans are not asking for the latest iPhone or app; they're asking for things that nobody should be without, no less the people that defended our country.”
“Their [General Needs’] volunteers bring more than necessities to those in need,” said County Clerk Vincent Puleo. “They bring dignity, steadiness, and the reassurance that this community stands firmly beside those who once stood for us.”