Food 4 Vets Drive With The Kaufman Fund
The Salvation Army and The Kaufman Fund Join Forces to Support Veterans through Food Drive Event
The Salvation Army, in collaboration with The Kaufman Fund, held a heartwarming food drive event at The Salvation Army O'Fallon Corps Community Center on Friday, July 21st. The event aimed to provide essential food supplies to veterans who have served our country selflessly. This marks the third successful joint effort between The Salvation Army and The Kaufman Fund, both sharing a strong commitment to helping those in need within the community.
The event saw over 120 veterans served with food packages with volunteers ensuring that the distribution process was smooth and efficient.
The Kaufman Fund, founded in memory of Ralph Kaufman by his brother Wayne Kaufman in 1990, has been dedicated to supporting veterans and individuals facing various challenges, including mental health issues and unemployment. Wayne Kaufman, President of The Kaufman Fund, expressed his gratitude for the partnership, stating, "It's an honor and a privilege to be associated with The Salvation Army. We do these food drives every other month throughout the St. Louis area, several alongside The Salvation Army. Each time we do this, it's a day of giving for us and our honor to serve those who have served us. The Kaufman Fund also provides services focusing on mental health and trying to help people out of work. We do whatever we can to help our veterans. It's a joy to be working alongside The Salvation Army to support these incredible men and women in our community."
Toni Medina, Disaster Recovery Services Case Manager Supervisor at The Salvation Army, expressed her admiration for The Kaufman Fund's support, stating, "I love working with The Kaufman Fund and serving our clients. They are so appreciative of what we are doing. Helping the community and assisting them in any way we can is our mission. It's an honor to assist our veterans who have served us."
Captain Justian Corliss of The Salvation Army O'Fallon Corps expressed his gratitude for the partnership, saying, "We are proud to partner with The Kaufman Fund in our shared commitment to serving Veterans in need. By working together, we can extend our reach and provide a helping hand to those who have sacrificed so much for our country."
Both organizations recognized the challenges faced by veterans in accessing nutritious meals and remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting the well-being of those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedom. The joint effort between The Salvation Army and The Kaufman Fund aims to make a meaningful impact on the lives of veterans and their families.
Shelia Schneider, Executive Director, expressed her delight with the event, thanking all the volunteers who contributed to its success. Volunteers from organizations such as Hollywood Casino, Compass Health, WellFirst Health, and the VA, among many others, generously contributed their time and effort to make a positive difference. The collaboration between The Salvation Army, The Kaufman Fund, and dedicated volunteers demonstrates the incredible commitment of the entire community to support veterans and those in need.
The food drive event was a heartening testament to the power of partnership and community spirit, bringing essential supplies to those who have served our nation and need support. The Salvation Army and The Kaufman Fund will continue their collaborative efforts to alleviate hunger and provide assistance to veterans in the St. Louis area, embodying the principles of compassion, generosity, and service to those who have given so much to our country.