The Ignacio School District honored Veterans Day and the men and women who have died defending our country by raising funds for military veterans and their families.

On Wednesday, Nov. 12, Ignacio School District took part in the 5th Annual “Jeans For Troops” fundraising drive benefiting the GI Go Fund, a nonprofit organization that helps veterans returning home find employment, go to college, access their health care and financial benefits, and link to housing.

During the drive, which has schools and companies from all across the country participating in, Ignacio School District gave their employees the opportunity to wear jeans to work in exchange for a $5 donation to the GI Go Fund. They also gave the students an opportunity to participate by wearing hats for a one-dollar donation. The school district netted $575 for the GI GO Fund.

“For generations, America’s teachers have been responsible for educating America’s children,” GI Go Fund Executive Director Jack Fanous said. “They have always been individuals that mothers and fathers could rely on to set a positive example for their children. This Veterans Day, teachers around the country have set the example to our nation’s children that this holiday is more than just the first weekend of summer, and more than the year’s first barbecue. It is a day to remember the men and women who have fought and died to preserve our liberties, our freedoms, and the American way of life.”

The GI Go Fund is an organization on the cutting edge of offering support to veterans, 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. They have worked with Mayor Cory Booker to turn Newark into a Model City for assisting Veterans, implementing a Smarter Government approach that involves delivering hands-on services that have changed the lives of thousands of veterans.

In addition, the organization did tremendous work for veterans who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. They provided great rapid response to victims of the storm by delivering thousands of blankets and needed clothing and other supplies to shelters, as well as bringing Emergency Financial Assistance and Toys for the Holidays for the thousands of Veterans devastated by the storm in the months that followed.

For more information about the GI Go Fund, or to see all the schools and business that are participating in the “Jeans For Troops” drive, visit www.gigofund.org.