Erica Cogswell, a fifth-year student at Oxford Schools Early College (OSEC) program, has made it her mission to provide veterans with a lifeline to thank them for the sacrifices they’ve made for their country.

In support of her mission, she recently organized a benefit dinner at the American Legion Hall in Oxford to help veterans in need as part of her Capstone project through the OSEC program.

Cogswell was able to raise nearly $500, which will be donated to Detroit nonprofit Operation: Come H.O.M.E.

The organization is currently in the process of creating an Emergency Fund, which will be used to help veterans who are in immediate financial need for any reason— such as paying rent or other bills.

Combined with her previous fundraisers, Cogswell said she has raised just over $1,000 towards the project so far.

Over 30 people attended the dinner event, which featured food provided by Italia Gardens in Oxford and Lino’s Restaurant in Rochester.

The OSEC program is a five-year high school experience which allows students, grades 9-13, to take college courses while in school, rather than traditional electives. Each student in the program is required to take a Capstone class focused on service learning.

Cogswell said it was the dedication shown by her father, who served in the U.S. Navy for three years, and by her grandfather who served prior to WWII, which helped ignite her passion for veterans.

“I’ve heard my dad talking about all these stories about what he had seen and who he had helped… I’m excited to see this help veterans who are homeless and struggling financially,” she said.

Through her organization of the event, Cogswell said she has also learned several lessons which will help carry her into the “real world.”

“I’ve learned to be patient and persistent. I’ve been telling everybody (that) we’re having a raffle at the fund-raisers and talking to businesses, which was really intimidating for me since I’ve never had to do anything like this before. It’s also taught me is to be more organized and that it’s ok to have people help you because I’m definitely one of those people who like to do everything myself, and that’s not necessarily practical in the real world,” said Cogswell.

After graduation, Cogswell plans to attend Oakland University, with the hopes of becoming an occupational therapist.

For more information about Operation: Come H.O.M.E. or to donate, visit opcomehome.org.