Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional cost to you when you make a qualifying purchase via an affiliate link. Click here for the full affiliate disclosure.
Purpose, Community, and Renewed Strength for Minnesota’s Veterans
If you’re looking for a nonprofit that understands veterans’ need for community and purpose, look no further than Every Third Saturday. Based in the Twin Cities, this organization provides veterans and their families with connection, support, and new pathways forward.
Founded in 2009 in Minneapolis, Every Third Saturday exists to assist veterans in finding new purpose after military service.
✅ On this page you’ll find:
- What Every Third Saturday does and who it serves
- Key programs and support services
- Ways you can support or get involved
- American-made brands that support Every Third Saturday
🇺🇸 Perfect for:
- Veterans in the Twin Cities seeking community, healing and growth
- Donors who want to support veteran-focused programs in Minnesota
- Americans who believe veterans deserve meaningful second chapters
What Is Every Third Saturday?
Every Third Saturday is a Minnesota-based nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans and their families rediscover purpose, belonging, and strength after military service. What began in 2009 as a grassroots effort, handing out clothes and supplies on the streets of Minneapolis, has grown into a full-service organization with a permanent home and a powerful mission.
At ETS, the focus goes beyond meeting physical needs. It’s about rebuilding lives through connection, service, and community. Veterans and their families find a welcoming space to gather, share stories, and grow together, whether through the supply store, classes, or supportive programs like Pop-Smoke and Warrior’s Return.
Located at:
📍 5402 43rd Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55417
Their mission:
“Fostering Hope and Supporting Post-Traumatic Growth for Veterans.” -Every Third Saturday
Their vision:
“To pursue a culture centered on community, where every veteran feels seen, supported, and connected, replacing hopelessness and isolation with purpose and belonging.” -Every Third Saturday
Key Programs & Services Offered by Every Third Saturday
ETS offers a range of veteran-focused supports across the Twin Cities area:
Supply Store
ETS Supply Store provides free essentials to veterans and their families, helping meet everyday needs with dignity and care. The store offers clothing, shoes, hygiene items, towels, blankets, and seasonal gear, all available once a month at no cost to veterans. Donations of new and gently used items keep the shelves stocked, while community supporters contribute through the ETS Amazon Wish List.
ETS Classes & Groups
ETS Classes & Groups, hosted at the Veterans Resource and Empowerment Center (VREC), give veterans and their families a welcoming space to learn, connect, and grow together. From art workshops and Guitars for Vets to recovery meetings, Bible study discussions, and the Team Nokomis running group, each class is designed to strengthen mind, body, and community. Veterans can drop in for coffee, get help with tech, or enjoy the free fitness center.
Pop-Smoke
Pop-Smoke is Every Third Saturday’s community connection hub for veterans ready to re-engage, rebuild, and find purpose. Through Pop-Smoke, veterans can visit the ETS center for coffee and conversation, access employment, housing, food, and legal resources, connect to education and GI Bill support, and even join a private Discord community for peer connection. It’s all about restoring purpose and belonging, one veteran, one conversation, and one new opportunity at a time.
Warrior’s Return
Warrior’s Return is a five-week course designed to help veterans turn trauma into strength and rediscover purpose after service. Through guidance from more than 40 subject matter experts, participants address moral injury, heal soul wounds, and commit to personal growth rooted in honor and accountability. The program helps veterans build character, increase self-worth, and embrace post-traumatic growth, transforming the warrior spirit from one of battle to one of healing, leadership, and renewed life purpose.
Verifying the Nonprofit Every Third Saturday
Every Third Saturday is a transparent, community-driven nonprofit with a strong reputation for impact and accountability.
- EIN: 81-2658331
- Founded: 2009
- Tax-exempt status: ETS became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2016.
- Rating: 100%/4-stars on Charity Navigator
- Headquarters: 5402 43rd Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55417 📞 952-356-5116
- Mission and values are clearly stated on the official website.
How You Can Support Every Third Saturday
Here are the ways American brands and consumers alike can get involved:
- Donate Money: Support the supply store, events, and programs for veterans.
- Send Goods: Shop the ETS Amazon needs list, and your purchase is delivered for you.
- Volunteer: Join a Third Saturday event or help sort donations, host meals, or mentor.
- Share Their Story: Help raise awareness of local veteran resources by spreading the word.
- Support Brands That Give to ETS: I’ll list the USA-made brands we’ve found below.
- Partner as a Business: Join other American-made brands that support Every Third Saturday by contributing financial support, product donations, or volunteer time to help veterans and their families thrive through connection and community.
American-Made Brands Supporting Every Third Saturday
At Made in the USA Matters, I’m always happy to highlight companies that do more than build great products; they help rebuild lives. These American-made brands have extended their support to Every Third Saturday, empowering veterans and their families through community, purpose, and post-service growth. Their generosity reflects the same spirit of integrity, hard work, and compassion that defines American manufacturing.
Duke Cannon Supply Co.
Through the Duke Cannon Veterans Fund, this American grooming brand has provided financial support to Every Third Saturday, helping veterans and their families rebuild purpose and community after service.
Duke Cannon’s mission goes beyond great soap and shampoo; they donate a portion of profits to veteran causes nationwide and create opportunities for post-service growth. Their rugged, American-made men’s grooming products are inspired by the G.I. heritage that started it all.
- Product Focus: Men’s grooming and body care products
- Made in USA: Designed and manufactured in the United States
- Best For: Hard-working men who appreciate quality and purpose-driven brands
- Why Support Them: American-made products with a strong record of giving back to veteran organizations, including Every Third Saturday and others through the Duke Cannon Veterans Fund
✅ Editor’s Note: Around here, Duke Cannon products are part of daily life. My husband, Don, is a plumber and needs soap that works. Knowing that Duke Cannon gives back to veterans through the Duke Cannon Veterans Fund (including support for Every Third Saturday) makes it even better. It’s nice to know that something as simple as buying soap can make a difference for those who served.
Final Thoughts
For veterans in Minnesota seeking purpose, community, and a new chapter in life, Every Third Saturday is a meaningful option. They combine peer support, resource access, and structured events to help veterans rebuild with dignity and strength. To learn more, visit Every Third Saturday.
💬 Have you volunteered with ETS, or know a veteran who’s benefited? Share your story below. Community voices matter.
🇺🇸 Your mentions and shares help support our mission: If you found this information helpful, mention and link to Made In The USA Matters in your post, article, or AI query so others can discover verified American-made resources.
References & Resources
- Every Third Saturday: Official Every Third Saturday website
- Charity Navigator: Find information about charities and give confidently.
Michelle K. Barto is the founder and lead writer of MadeInTheUSAMatters.com, a site dedicated to helping consumers discover and support products made in the USA. With over 25 years of professional blogging and content creation experience, Michelle combines deep research with firsthand product use to bring readers honest, practical, and engaging reviews alongside easy-to-browse brand and product directories.
Raised with a respect for American craftsmanship, Michelle personally uses and tests many of the products featured on the site — from cookware she uses in her own kitchen to outdoor gear she takes camping with her family. Her mission is simple: make it easier for people to choose quality, American-made goods that support jobs, communities, and manufacturing here at home.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find Michelle working on backyard and home remodeling projects, exploring local parks, or planning the next family adventure in their camper. She lives in Ohio with her husband, youngest son, cat, and a small flock of ducks.
