If you think empty, returnable cans and bottles don’t amount to much, think again. Dubuque’s Veterans Freedom Center, a 501(c)4 organization, runs on dollars collected from donated cans and bottles. Founded in 2009, the Kerper Blvd. federally registered non-profit helps Tri-state active duty, retired, reserve, and honorable discharged veterans – all without an affiliation with any governmental, county, or VA agency.
Located in a metal-sided warehouse in an industrial area of Dubuque, the Center operates on a tight budget – one funded mainly through community donations and donations of returnable cans and bottles. It adds up. In a recent year, volunteers at the Center collected 3,121,174 cans and bottles for deposit. That came to a grand total of $151,058.70 at five cents for each container.
Veterans and other volunteers help sort cans while socializing. But, it’s not all about the cans and bottles. Down the Center’s narrow hallway, others are playing euchre or creating masterpieces in a large woodworking and scroll sawing shop. In addition to the woodworking shop, the Center offers an exercise room, craft room, community room, a full kitchen and dining area, and computer station. Some visitors enjoy pool, darts, shuffleboard, music, and the large screen television. While service organizations like the Disabled American Veterans and the Dubuque County Veterans Affairs Office work to help veterans get medical and disability benefits, the Veterans Freedom Center provides social support. Some 7,700 local veterans visited the Center in 2024.
The Center’s Operation We Care program offers support for veterans and or veterans’ family members with special needs not met by other means of assistance. The program provides financial and other supportive services. Assistance has been given to homeless veterans and families in addition to providing financial aid for rent and mortgage payments, transportation assistance, pharmaceutical assistance, home utility assistance, food, and clothing. Refurbished scooters, wheelchairs, and walkers are also available through the Freedom Center.
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