Here's what a Milton firefighter is doing to help fellow veterans this winter

MILTON − Marine veteran Matt Clifford hasn't forgotten about his former comrades who have worn the uniforms of the nation's armed forces.

For the second year in a row, the 28-year-old Milton firefighter and Quincy College student is collecting winter clothing for homeless veterans at Rosie's Place and the New England Center and Home for Veterans.

"I have an avenue where I can help people that's not through my job," Clifford replied when asked why he was doing it. "It could have been any one of us."

Clifford comes from a family of military veterans and firefighters. He said many veterans don't have the support he did when they return to civilian life.

Last year, he collected eight or nine truckloads of items for distribution at the two Boston centers and Father Bill's Place in Quincy. He said collections this year are running about the same as last year, with the clothing distribution set for Dec. 3.

"I'm looking to do better this year," he said.

This year, Clifford decided to add boots and shoes to the collection after seeing a veteran who only had flip-flops.

He uses cash donations from his Marine buddies across the country to buy high-demand items such as socks.

Winter clothing, blankets, hand and feet warmers needed

Items needed include men's and women's winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves and winter pants, plus blankets and hand/feet warmers.

He also accepts Venmo donations at @Matt-Clifford-9.

For more information or to arrange a pickup, call Clifford at 857-366-2549.

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Donation boxes are at all three Milton fire stations, outside the third-floor student lounge at Quincy College, and at the Ulin Rink, where he also works. His duties include driving the Zamboni. He also works at the Muscle and Flow gym in Milton.

Clifford said you can see the gratitude on the faces of the veterans who receive donations.

"They're very, very appreciative," he said. "Sometimes, they hug us."

He plans to study nursing at Quincy College

Clifford is also taking prerequisite courses at Quincy College to enter the nursing program. He said he was studying to become an emergency medical technician when he "fell in love" with nursing.

"I see the work they do every day," he said.

Clifford said he hopes to work as a per diem nurse for the Veterans Administration while continuing on the fire department.

Reach Fred Hanson at fhanson@patriotledger.com.

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Homeless veterans to benefit from Milton firefighter's efforts