As volunteers from the Valor Clinic Foundation tirelessly prepared for a school supply distribution, they had help from some determined young ladies.

Jim Thorpe and Panther Valley Girl Scout troops eagerly offered their assistance to help the Valor Clinic for this event. A friendly competition began between the girls, and their donations exceeded the original expectation.

“This event is important to the girls. It teaches them morals and see the struggles some kids may face,” lifetime Girl Scout Courtney Kovatch said. “This event will serve so many kids — the girls gathered 226 backpacks.”

The girls sought donations, but they didn’t stop there. They organized all the supplies on Wednesday evening.

Hundreds of scissors, erasers, pencil boxes, backpacks and more were donated by the troops to be distributed free on Saturday.

The quarterly event called “Stand Down Day” is set to take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lansford Fire Company.

“My favorite part is helping with the backpacks,” Harmony Lahm of the Jim Thorpe Girl Scout troop said. “We are helping a good cause.”

The Valor Clinic Foundation, a nonprofit organization stationed out of Jonas, provides outreach for homeless veterans and others in need in big cities. The foundation has reached areas in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Ohio.

Valor Clinic volunteer Christine LeClair knew of the great need to help veterans and other people within the Panther Valley area, so she asked the foundation if an event could take place in Lansford. It didn’t take much, and they quickly agreed.

“Valor Clinic is a veterans’ organization with special services, but it also helps the entire community,” LeClair said.

A mobile clothing closet, food pantry and soup kitchen will be available to the public. People may receive a free hot meal, clothing, nonperishable items and toiletries.

Information on drug and alcohol, mental health and victim resources will be provided. In addition, St. Luke’s, Emergency Food Pantry and Veterans Affairs will be there to assist those in need.

Free haircuts will also be provided to veterans and schoolchildren.

For information, contact LeClair at 570-413-3344.