WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — A warm jacket and a clean toothbrush are one of several ways the Westborough Veterans Advisory Board is looking provide for the community’s veterans through their clothing drive this fall.

"We're looking for any winter clothing," said Westborough Police Detective Elysha O'Brien. "Jackets, gloves, socks, hats, and hygiene items. Toilet paper, razors, shaving, toothbrush, all those kinds of stuff."

O'Brien, who is also board secretary for Detective and Veterans Advisory, served in combat in Iraq in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

She said veteran homelessness has been an issue in Westborough and many cities and towns in Massachusetts.

"Right now, we see a lot of veterans who are in need of clothing and hygiene items. You know, the winter is approaching. Really the point of the board is to improve the quality of life for veterans," O'Brien said.

She said she joined the armed forces in 2009 because she wanted to make a difference in her community.

And during veterans day weekend, she says it's that much more important to her to give back to her fellow comrades who served.

"They put their life on their line," O'Brien said. "They signed up for something that so few people do. I think they say 1% of the population volunteers to serve or did serve their country, and as a veteran myself I find it very important and valuable to put in work for veterans in need and veterans all around."

O'Brien said the clothing drive will run through Thursday, Nov. 16. 

She said donations can be made to all town buildings including the police department and elementary schools.