Papillion Community Foundation Launches Pantry for Our Patriots
The Papillion Community Foundation (www.papillionfoundation.org) has partnered with Moving Veterans Forward and Hy-Vee to launch Pantry for Our Patriots. Through this program, which was officially announced on Veteran’s Day of 2018, veterans in Sarpy County will be given one month of groceries and other needed items for free after they are moved into a home with the assistance of Moving Veterans Forward.
When these veterans get put into a home, 99% of them don’t have a car so they can’t go get groceries on their own. The purpose of Pantry for Our Patriots is to give veterans that initial help so that they have the basic things they need as they adjust to a new home.
Since its inception more than seven years ago, Moving Veterans Forward has provided homes for more than 1,200 veterans in the metro area—36 of those were in Sarpy County in 2018 alone. After seeing a need for a program that provides these veterans with some basic immediate needs, the Papillion Community Foundation was more than happy to become a partner by handling the project funds. With Hy-Vee providing fresh food at a tremendously discounted price, the foundation is able to purchase both perishable and non-perishable foods, along with other basic items, to last veterans a month. With the foundation handling the funds, people know 100% of their donations go directly to the pantry.
In addition, the Papillion Area Lions Club donated $5,000 to Moving Veterans Forward to go towards buying a vehicle needed for the delivery of food and other items through the Pantry for Our Patriots program. This example of organizations coming together to support members of the community is very special.
Anyone interested in donating to the Pantry for Our Patriots fund or learning more about the Papillion Community Foundation can do so by going online to www.papillionfoundation.org. Additional questions can be directed to Laura Schwartz, executive director, at (402) 331-3917 / lschwartz@papillion.org.