Local organization collecting donations for Thanksgiving meal drive for veterans

VFW Post 8724 in Duncansville, Blair County, is pitching in to help the Specialist Chad Edmundson Memorial Foundation with its annual Thanksgiving meal drive for area veterans.

The VFW is holding the drive in honor of the memory of Larry Wertz, a member who they said was heavily devoted to helping veterans in need.

The organization has a goal of 1,500 pounds of canned vegetables, boxed stuffing and other holiday favorites.

The items will then be distributed in Thanksgiving meal boxes that will be handed out on November 23 at the National Guard Armory in Duncansville.

Carolann Ebersole, Commander at the Duncansville VFW, Post 8724, said, "Being commander of this post, I have seen firsthand what the donations, and what the different organizations, do. I'm lucky that way, and I get to see the faces of the veterans firsthand."

Bob Bradley, President at the SPC Chad Edmundson Memorial Foundation, said, "It really boosts your morale, it keeps you going on these missions, because sometimes you feel like you're pounding your head off of the wall, and then an 88 year-old man comes up, and he gives you a hug and says thank you, and it really warms your spirit up."

The deadline for the donations is October 31.

There are several drop-off locations, including the VFW.