Wednesday was Military Day at the West End Fair, with reduced admission for active and retired military personnel. It’s a way to thank them and their families for their service and dedication.

Inside the Everett Building, two nonprofits work hard to serve veterans every day.

VALOR Clinic Foundation and West End Memorial American Legion Post 927 both have booths and literature on assistance, programs and events. The post is located in Gilbert, right near the fairgrounds, and VALOR is based in Jonas/Kunkletown.

Preventing veteran suicide is a goal of both nonprofits, which often partner with each other. Helping at-risk vets with homelessness, food insecurity, accessing resources, peer support and counseling are other concerns.

Each table has flyers, fundraiser info, promotional items, and donation jars. Shirts and hoodies — with the signature motto, “A Hand Up on the Home Front” — can be purchased from VALOR.

Poppy key chains and red crepe paper poppies are prominent on the American Legion display. A biker buddy handmade by the American Legion Riders is a novel item, along with patriotic buttons and bracelets.

Although the poppies are synonymous with Veterans Day, “We should be remembering all of our veterans every day,” said Zacheriah Taylor, Eastern section adjutant.

The American Legion’s Auxiliary is having a “Be the One” End of Summer Bash on Sept. 6, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Post 927 at 646 Fairground Road. Food trucks, entertainment, and vendors will be part of the event, which aims to combat veteran suicide

Auxiliary Unit 927 1st Vice President Beth Taylor spoke about the many fundraisers that are on the calendar. For instance, a flea market and craft fair will take place at the Legion from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Proceeds go towards veterans’ or community needs. Veterans in local nursing homes receive treats for special occasions like birthdays and holidays, she said. For back-to-school, the Auxiliary provided 10 backpacks for students at Pleasant Valley Elementary.

VALOR is gearing up for its second annual golf outing on Monday, Sept. 14, at Paupack Hills Golf Course in Greentown. An adult kickball tournament is planned for Saturday, Sept. 12.

“We have a lot of great events coming up and something for everybody,” said VALOR board member/events director Farrah Schaefer. She spoke about a cookie trail in July that was so well attended that one will be held on Nov. 21 for the holidays, with more than 15 stops in the West End.

The Patriots Ball is one of their biggest events. It will be held on Nov. 7, from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m.at Mount Airy Casino Resort. Tickets are $125 per person and sponsorship opportunities are available.

VALOR founder Mark Baylis said some people visiting their booth inquire about assistance or want to learn more about what the nonprofit does. Others leave a donation, but don’t stop to talk. VALOR’S four core programs are: Hope for the Homeless, Veterans Unstoppable, Holiday Meals and Resilient Warrior.

Some fairgoers stopping at the American Legion table took a chance to win cash in a Star Spangled Heroes game. Others bought a ticket for an American 250 Raffle featuring a “We the People” whiskey barrel table, an outdoor U.S. flag and a wooden sign/shadow box. The drawing will be on Aug. 29 at 8 p.m.

Besides serving veterans, the American Legion serves the entire area with special events like Halloween and holiday parties. “We give back to the community,” said Wendy Fant, 2nd vice president of Post 927’s Auxiliary.

The public can also give back by contributing items to Operation: Touch of Home, which supports troops overseas. During fair week, donations can be brought to the Fair Museum near the arena. The wish list includes nonperishable food/snacks, hygiene products, games and miscellaneous things like batteries, little toys and sewing kits.

Every third Tuesday, veterans can participate in the MilitaryShare drive-through food bank at Legion Post 927, in conjunction with Second Harvest. Milk, eggs, frozen food and nonperishable staples are provided. “We help subsidize so veterans aren’t choosing between medications or food,” Zacheriah Taylor said.

The American Legion and its auxiliary also partner with local organizations like the West End Food Pantry. The pantry will benefit from a Designer Bag Bingo — with a tricky tray, raffles and door prizes — that is set for Saturday, Oct. 17, at the post. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the fun begins at noon.

For more information on VALOR, visit www.VALORclinic.org. The Legion’s website is www.ampost927.org. Volunteers and new members are always welcome.

Besides nonprofits, the Everett Building features live music and a pub with local wineries and breweries. You can easily spot the building by the long line outside at a popular corn-on-the-cob vendor.