Photos: Local rotary clubs and volunteers pack backpacks for homeless veterans in support of Operation Chillout

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (Warren County) – On Saturday, volunteers from the Blairstown, Hackettstown, Washington Township, and Phillipsburg Rotary Clubs, along with the Blue Star Mothers of North Warren NJ7 and Centenary University students, packed approximately 100 backpacks with warm clothing and essential supplies for homeless veterans.

Held at Centenary University, the event supported Operation Chillout, New Jersey’s oldest all-volunteer mobile outreach for homeless veterans. Since its founding on December 21, 2000, Operation Chillout has served men and women in need, delivering critical resources across New Jersey, Northeast Pennsylvania, and coastal Rhode Island.

This year’s event carried special significance as it honored the memory of Deacon Ray Chimileski, the Director and Founder of Operation Chillout, who passed away suddenly on October 28.

Chimileski’s legacy of helping homeless veterans lives on through the continued support of community partners and volunteers, who packed the backpacks in his honor. Over the years, he and his team delivered backpacks filled with warm clothing and essential items to thousands of veterans in need.

The backpacks will be distributed to homeless veterans throughout the region.