MARION — The tri-town Veterans Agent Barry Denham and Marion Board of Selectmen created an emergency fund on Oct. 15 to help Marion veterans and their spouses with short-term financial needs. 

The fund will be controlled by the Marion Veterans Services Office and Marion Council on Aging. Use of the funds will be evaluated by both agencies on a case-by-case basis and will be released if needs cannot be met local, state or federal veterans assistance programs.

"Sometimes there are tools that we do not have in our toolbox to assist a veteran or their families," Denham said. "We wanted to establish this fund to provide a lifeline to help when resources are not available through other means."

Any Marion resident who meets the state's eligibility requirements for a veteran may request to receive funds. A veteran's widow or widower may also request funds. Proof of residency must be provided.

The Veterans Fund will be funded solely by donations. Those who would like to donate to the fund can send a check written out to the "Town of Marion" with "Veteran" in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to the Council on Aging office at 465 Mill St., Marion, MA 02738.

Anyone with further questions can contact the Marion Veterans Services Office at 508-758-4100, Ext. 7.