A collaboration of organizations gets together once a month at the American Legion in Lehighton to help Carbon County veterans.

When the monthly program started last year, 10 veterans showed up the first time.

On Wednesday, 238 veterans were present. More than 50 volunteers were on hand to distribute items to the veterans.

St. Vincent DePaul Society provides lunch and personal care items. More than 150 lunches are made for the veterans. Esther Meier volunteered because she “took care of people my whole life, four children then my parents, and I wanted to continue this.”

The organization also runs Vincent’s Closet, offering personal care items, blankets and clothes.

Mountain Valley Spay and Neuter Clinic is one of the sponsors as Dr. William Keer is a member of St. Vincent de Paul Society. A 4-year-old Chesapeake Bay retriever was on hand to meet and greet. More sponsors are needed. Contact the church at 570-656-6738.

Veterans Share Second Harvest Food Bank registers veterans for the day and now includes providing to surviving spouses. Food given out includes fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, milk and other staples.

Mike Meining, from Valor House, belongs to the Carbon County Veterans Council and went to meetings where it was suggested that Valor help at the monthly event.

Valor refers to the help as the “Stand Down Program,” which refers to when troops would come in from the field to shower and eat.

Through donations, Valor provides clothes, blankets and toiletries to veterans. If you’re interested in donating contact Valor House at 570-664-6468.