Supplies Supplies Supplies

I told a friend him if he ever needed help in distributing foodstuffs to needy veterans who live in Westmoreland County to let me know. Well, Monday I got the call. I arrived at the distribution point at 8:30 AM and the delivery trucks were already there unloading. Multiple skids stacked with food were quickly placed in open areas of the two empty bays of the fire station. The pallets were maneuvered into sections for easy access and speedy dispersing of boxes and bags of supplies.

Presorted boxes were already labeled with dry goods, freezer, and refrigerated. Bags of potatoes, apples, and a large pineapple were placed into blue carry-alls bag for less handling. Other of the pallets held carrots, half gallons of milk, and the most important part of a thanksgiving meal, frozen turkeys. It was necessary for veterans to have preregistered and upon arrival to the fire hall, the veteran needed to visit the tally master to check off his name. Some veterans took several bundles of food, because they were picking up food for veterans who were too old, too infirmed, or who were unable to drive a vehicle any longer. These volunteering veterans were still serving other older veterans. God bless them all.

Everything went rather smoothly. One of the coordinators for the food bank/veteran distribution program was there taking photographs. The pictures would be used in their newsletter and for the office bulletin board. The ages of the volunteers ranged from an eighteen year old to an eighty-something year old. The veterans arrived in all sorts of vehicles. They backed to the open garage doors. Their supplies were quickly loaded. Sometimes there was a delay. Occasionally a veteran would stop and talk. That always delayed their departure.

The air was cool and the sun was bright. The cool air eliminated the need to keep the refrigerated and frozen items in coolers or freezers which facilitated gathering and loading the boxes into the veteran’s vehicle. One of our crew was always out front directing the veterans into the loading areas. Some needed extra guidance backing up. A few almost seemed that they shouldn’t be driving at all, but everything was complete without incident.

Four hours later, I drove away with a happy heart and a smile on my face, although my feet and legs didn’t agree. I know if several of my friends read this, they will be fussing, “Don’t overdo.” How could I refuse to serve these men and women who have fought for our freedom and sacrificed so much?