By Charles Romans
Carter County Times
Veterans are an important demographic in our region. Not only are they important because they have served our nation by volunteering to put themselves in harm’s way for the safety of family, friends, and neighbors across the country and around the world, but also because our region has an honorable tradition of service. That service in many cases has become a generational pursuit with grandparents, parents, and children of both genders being proud to say that their family has stood up to be counted among those willing to defend their country; and many, sadly, have made the ultimate sacrifice.
It is an unfortunate fact, however, that many veterans of the United States military return home after their service only to face obstacles such as unemployment, healthcare issues related to their service, and the lack of an easily accessible support network. Improvements are being made, but it is a slow process that often leaves the returning veteran at a loss for basic necessities and treatment. Fortunately, in our region there are organizations such as the Veterans Outreach of Carter County, located in Grayson.
Polly Rafferty, originally from Perry County but now an eleven-year resident of Carter County, runs the 501c3 organization and said that she loves being able to help veterans with a variety of things, such as food assistance.
“We have the Freedom Food Pantry,” Rafferty said, explaining that the pantry accepts donations of frozen food, canned food, and boxed food. And, she added, many local farmers will also donate fresh food and eggs to the pantry to help veterans and their families with food insecurity. Veterans can come in once per month to receive a food box, she said, but food is only part of what Veterans Outreach does to support veterans.
“We also give $200 per veteran each year for utilities,” Rafferty said. “Some veterans come in and need gas to get to doctor appointments, and we have services for that.”
In addition to these services Rafferty said that Veterans Outreach can also connect veterans with other organizations such as those which will help with housing. There is also help through Veterans Outreach navigating the changing landscape of Medicare and other insurances.
Rafferty said that Veterans Outreach can also help veterans and their families with clothing through the Heroes Closet.
“We provide clothing and shoes for children and adults, and toys for kids,” Rafferty said.
The clothing and shoes are free to veterans and their families, but the general public can also come in and purchase items for a five-dollar donation, which allows them to fill a bag with clothes, shoes, and toys. The proceeds from those sales go back into the fund for helping veterans.
“People ask how the five dollars helps,” Rafferty said. “But that goes into the bank and is put with other donations and can help pay someone’s electric or water bill. Even a dollar donation for a pair of shoes helps the community and it helps our veterans.”
Rafferty said that there are a number of ways that the community can help Veterans Outreach serve veterans. Donations of food, clothing, and other materials that can be given to veterans or resold to the public are always beneficial. Volunteering is another way Carter County residents can help, as well as attending the car shows they regularly sponsor. You can visit veteransoutreach.org and choose the Grayson office for monetary donations, or donations can be made at their office. Their phone number is 606-475-0216, and they can also be contacted through Facebook.
Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com
