WEIRTON — The 11th-annual Bob Busch Memorial Veterans Clothing Drive will be held at the Weirton Millsop Community Center, with donations set to be accepted Sunday through Nov. 13.

The clothing drive will be followed by a veterans clothing shop at the Millsop Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 15 and 16, where veterans can show their military ID and choose items from the donated stock free of charge.

The clothing drive is named in honor of Bob Busch, who served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, before becoming a cherished member of the WMCC family in his later years. Busch worked out at WMCC every day until his passing in April of 2020 and he was the originator of the veteran’s clothing drive.

“Bob loved people and specifically had a heart for his fellow veterans,” Park Board Executive Director Coty Shingle said. “He had a keen awareness of the fact that many of his fellow military servants didn’t have access to some of the basic necessities of life and this was his way of seeing their needs were met. He was a true patriot, and he had a tremendous love of his fellow veterans.”

Parks and Recreation employee Ron Spencer, who retired from his U.S. Army career in recent years, shares Busch’s vision and passion and carries on his legacy with his effort to help meet the needs of local veterans.

“It’s for the veterans,” Spencer said. “The ones that are here, and the ones who aren’t.”

The clothing drive seeks donations of gently used clothes, in boxes or bags, delivered to the community. An especially needed item is new socks, which was always Busch’s additional request.

Any questions regarding the clothing drive can be directed to Park Board Program Director Chris Krishak at (304) 797-5721.

In addition to the clothing drive, the Park Board is offering all veterans free admission to the Millsop Center through Nov. 30 when they show their military identification at the customer service desk. Veterans typically are offered a 20% discount on memberships.