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Assemblywoman Tucker to Declare May 23rd as "GI Go Jeans For Troops Day" & Calls On NJ Schools and Companies to Support Military Veterans On Memorial Day

Tucker Joins NJEA in supporting the GI Go Fund’s Fundraising Drive
to help returning veterans and their families

(NEWARK) – Assemblywoman Cleopatra G. Tucker (D-Essex) is calling on all New Jersey businesses, schools, and organizations to support our troops this Memorial Day by wearing jeans to work on Thursday, May 23rd during the GI Go Fund’s 4th Annual “Jeans for Troops” Fundraising Drive. Tucker will issue a proclamation declaring May 23 “GI Go Jeans for Troops Day” and working with local officials to have the City of Newark and Essex County issue similar proclamations.

Along with Ms. Tucker, the NJEA is also supporting this effort, donating $5,000 to the effort and encouraging all of their member schools to participate in the program as well. This is the second year in a row that both Ms. Tucker and the NJEA have lent their support to the program. The drive will benefit New Jersey’s fallen heroes by supporting the thousands of New Jersey veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families.

During the “Jeans for Troops” program, schools, companies, and all other employers that choose to participate will allow their employees to wear jeans to work in exchange for a $5 donation to the GI Go Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting all veterans with their needs upon their return home from combat.

“For just $5 dollars, individuals can wear comfortable jeans to work, and more importantly, contribute to an organization that helps returning soldiers find jobs, go to college, find housing and get health care,” said Tucker, who chairs the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “It’s never been easier to support our troops, so I hope companies throughout the state and their employees will jump at the opportunity to lend a helping hand to those who have risked their lives for us.”

The GI Go Fund is an organization on the cutting edge in providing veterans with innovative ways of finding employment, securing their educational and health benefits, as well as providing aid and assistance to low income and homeless veterans. Working alongside Newark Mayor Cory Booker, the Fund is turning Newark into a model city for implementing a smarter government approach to assisting veterans by providing hands-on support services and improving the lives of thousands of New Jersey’s veterans.

In addition, the organization rapidly responded to veterans needs’ during Hurricane Sandy. GI Go Fund organized and delivered thousands of blankets, much-needed clothing and other supplies to shelters across the State. The organization was also instrumental in providing emergency financial assistance and toys for the holidays to families of the thousands of veterans devastated by the storm in the months that followed.

Those interested in participating in the Jeans for Troops Fundraising Drive should contact Alex Manis at (973) 802-1614 or manis@gigofund.org.