CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Rhodes convenience stores recently donated $5,000 to four local organizations committed to serving U.S. veterans through grassroots efforts. All four organizations submitted detailed online applications to Rhodes last summer after the company gave $10,000 to the USO for nationwide efforts and announced that local donations would be made available.

Four organizations were selected as recipients of the funds:

• Student Veterans’ Organization of Southeast Missouri State University received $2,000 to help finish Missouri’s first Veterans Transition House. The house will provide a safe and secure setting for student veterans as they adjust to civilian and college life. The organization hopes to open the house in fall 2017.
• The Shawnee Veterans’ Wall Memorial received $1,000 to construct a memorial wall on the campus of Shawnee School District. The memorial will recognize local veterans and foster appreciation for their sacrifices among younger generations.
• The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3416 of Wappapello, Mo., received $1,000 to host social events on its premises and at the Poplar Bluff veterans’ hospital.
• The Elks Lodge 1641 of Anna, Ill., received $1,000 to help provide clothing and grooming supplies for 50 to 100 veterans monthly.

Rhodes’ commitment to honoring and supporting the individuals who have protected our country’s freedoms is inspired by its own founder, Gene Rhodes, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean conflict.