Earlier this fall, we partnered with Mt. Carmel Veteran Services for their annual Patriot Day event, which provided over 400 food boxes and other essential items for veterans and active-duty service members. It was there that we met Tony, a Vietnam veteran who now volunteers his time giving back to his fellow service men and women.

 

“I wanted to help and needed something new to do,” Tony told us.

 

At the distribution, Tony was always on the move bringing bags of produce to neighbors’ cars and sharing a laugh with neighbors. Those neighbors were able to go home with fresh produce like bananas, pineapple, and corn along with canned goods and information about other important services in the community.

 

“It kind of hurts to see so many people in need,” Tony said. “But it’s nice to be able to give [food] to them. It’s a small way to give back.”