Two tours in Iraq and one in several poor countries of Central America gave Christine LeClair a firsthand look of individuals - especially children - being deprived.

It might be part of the reason why on Saturday she coordinated the second annual giveaway of school supplies to Panther Valley students.

Some 357 people were recipients of school backpacks and supplies such as pencils and notebooks. They also received a brown-bag lunch, bottle of water and most received farm-fresh produce and toiletry kits. The volunteers ran out of the produce midway through the event.

The giveaway was held in a drive-through configuration at the Lansford Swimming Pool parking lot.

Although coordinated by LeClair, it was sponsored by Valor of Jonas, Monroe County, a volunteer group that provides shelter and health care to military veterans.

LeClair, who served in the U.S. Army and is the Director of Veterans Affairs in Carbon County, said she was pleased by both the number of recipients who benefited and the number of volunteers who helped her.

“We posted on social media that we were having an event and the volunteers just showed up,” she said. “It’s wonderful.”

There were 300 bookbags donated by the St. Vincent de Paul Society that were handed out.

Last year, Girl Scouts collected school supplies and the response was so overwhelming that enough were left over to hand out this year.

St. Luke’s Hospital gave the produce.

Kerri Quick, who represented St. Luke’s, said once the produce ran out those attending were given a bag of toiletries which included such things as soap and shampoo.

A fledgling group called Battle Borne from the Lehigh Valley, a nonprofit organization for veterans of the Lehigh Valley, brought lunches and water that they distributed.

LeClair said at one point the line of cars extended from the pool parking lot to the street; well over 50 cars.

The recipients said they were happy with the generosity of the volunteers.

“It’s definitely a good setup,” said Susan Souders of Lansford, “especially for the children and people in the area. It’s heartwarming to see such generosity.”

Lisa Gombert said, as she was handed her bag of supplies, “It’s very kind of them to think of the Panther Valley students.”

“We’re very grateful,” said Sue Wager.

Gabrielle Greek, one of three Marian Catholic High School students who helped, said she felt proud to be assisting.

“I really like it,” she said. “My dad’s a veteran. It feels good to help veterans and others. It’s really important to me.”

The other Marian students were MacKenna Jacobs and Madison Miller.

Cadence Yarnell, vice president of Battle Borne, said the group made lunches consisting of sandwiches, potato chips, apples and bottled water.

Her husband, Christopher Yarnell, president and founder of Battle Borne, is a retired Marine. He said he and his wife formed Battle Borne two years ago after volunteering with Valor.

“After the military, I struggled to find something to do,” Christopher said. “I went to Valor one time and realized I found my purpose. I’m a liaison. If people come to me and need services, I provide them or refer them. We work with three organizations to get homeless veterans off the street. Last year we found homes for about 30 veterans.”

He said, “It’s all volunteer. Also, we raise our own money.”

LeClair said last year’s event was held indoors.

She said she likes this year’s setup and hopes to host it again next year.