POLK TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A new resource in the Poconos aims to ease food insecurity, while also honoring the service of local heroes.
28/22's Sydney Kostus has more details on the veteran’s nonprofit behind the mission in Monroe County.
It may only be September, but the holidays are on the minds of volunteers at Valor Clinic Foundation in Polk Township.
They’ve already begun planning for Thanksgiving, hoping to fill freezers like this one with turkeys to feed more than 630 veterans and their families.
“If you don’t think you could help, you’d be surprised. You helping somebody may make somebody else smile, and that’s what it’s about,” shared Richard Snider, food pantry volunteer at the Valor Clinic Foundation.
The nonprofit is centered around assisting veterans with food insecurity, shelter, and mental health resources.
Its founder, Mark Baylis, walked 28/22 News through its newest food pantry at Camp Trexler, a space they’ve needed to keep up with demand.
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“It’s been a staggering amount of food. We’ve provided more than a million meals to struggling veterans since 2012, and it just keeps growing,” said SGM Baylis, retired U.S. Army Veteran/Founder of the Valor Clinic Foundation.
Within its first year in this building, around 80,000 meals were provided to local vets.
They predict that number will grow, so they’re seeking extra hands and donations.
“The malnutrition problems are epidemic, number one. So you’re trying to figure out how to give foods that they can use in their situation that can help alleviate the malnutrition problem, in addition to hunger,” said SGM Baylis.
The nonprofit offers more than just groceries, but also items for those in need of hygiene products.
For pantry manager Eleanor Burke, dedicating her time is a show of gratitude and a way of giving back.
“My dad was a vet, he’s no longer with us, but I was raised around a lot of veterans and I know the struggles that they go through and the time that they put in to make sure that we’re protected, so me doing this work, it’s an honor,” shared Burke.
The Valor Clinic Foundation is hosting its Patriots Ball in November, its largest fundraiser for the holiday season.
If you would like to attend the Patriots Ball, click here. If you would like to learn about volunteering, visit here.
