Jun 08, 2020
VFW Post 10804 in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is making sure veterans are cared for and have enough food during the COVID-19 crisis.
Members of the Post work closely with the Veterans Welcome Home and Resource Center—known as the Hutton House—to help veterans experiencing hardship during the pandemic. They recently hosted two drives with Post 10804 Auxiliary to supply food and other crucial items.
“I also contacted the three VFW Posts closest to the clinic and told them of the needs,” said South Carolina District 7 Jr. Vice-Commander Bill La Monte, a VFW Gold Legacy Life Member of the Post and VA Voluntary Service Coordinator between the South Carolina VFW and the Myrtle Beach VA Clinic.
“Groceries were needed to help several veteran families in desperate straits because of the coronavirus causing them a loss of work. Twice in the last month, we answered the call,” he said.
Post 10804 served as the collection point for food and supplies. The drives brought in a total of more than 1,200 pounds—over $1,100 worth—of nonperishable food and household goods.
The donations were delivered to the Resource Center where volunteers assembled emergency packages for 36 veteran families who needed help. There was enough food to put together several extra packages, and those will be given out as more military families are in need.
In addition, Post 10804 Auxiliary provided ten $10 gift cards to the Myrtle Beach VA Clinic. Members of the Post also have made individual donations to the clinic including gift cards, clothing, cleaning supplies, personal care items and crossword puzzle books for patients.
The Post is committed to helping fellow veterans and anticipates more efforts to provide assistance will be coordinated in the near future.