Spring Fling Sale at St. Cloud Stand Down’s Ladies Veteran Boutique This Saturday

(KNSI) – The Ladies Veteran Boutique at St. Cloud Stand Down is hosting its annual Spring Fling sale this Saturday.

The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 724 33rd Avenue North in St. Cloud. It is open to women veterans and spouses of veterans.
The boutique, which was introduced in the fall of 2020, operates just like any other women’s clothing shop, only everything inside is free. Volunteer Kathy described the experience to KNSI, “The ladies can come and do their shopping here. We have everything from dressy clothes, bedding, kitchen linens, jewelry, and casual clothing.”

The boutique recently transitioned from winter to summer inventory, making this weekend’s Spring Fling the perfect time to find a new Easter outfit. Refreshments and veteran resources will also be available during the event.

First-time visitors are asked to bring either a VA ID card or a copy of their DD-214. Spouses of veterans may bring their spouse’s documentation to be entered into the system.

Volunteer Kathy shared why this work means so much to her, “I was raised by two World War II veterans. I’ve got a son who served in Iraq. I’m from a very military-minded family, very patriotic. I retired from the St. Cloud VA and that was the best job I ever had.”

So to keep serving those who served, she began volunteering at the boutique and has been there for nearly four years.

St. Cloud Stand Down has served at-risk and homeless veterans in the region for 28 years. In addition to the boutique, the organization operates a men’s warehouse, a frontline food pantry, and a food delivery program serving veterans across five counties. For more information, visit stcloudstanddown.com.

Also this weekend, Sunday marks National Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day. Local observances are planned, including a gathering at the Sauk Rapids VFW, where Vietnam veterans will be joined by Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korean War veterans for a day of remembrance and camaraderie.
St. Cloud Stand Down’s Bob Behrens put it simply, “It’ll be a good day just to get together with all veterans, particularly Vietnam veterans, and celebrate and honor that day.”

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed annually on March 29th to honor the approximately 9 million Americans who served during the Vietnam War era and to welcome home veterans who never received proper recognition upon their return. President Donald Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 into law, officially establishing the day. It specifically commemorates the anniversary of the final U.S. combat troops departing Vietnam in 1973.

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