Northampton Elks Lodge delivers meals to 100 veterans

Today is Veterans Day, paying tribute to those fighting for our country. 22 News reporter Lexi White spent the afternoon with volunteers hoping to make today extra special for veterans in the area. Ciara, the Elks Lodge in Northampton is practically neighbors with the VA Health Care Center, and their members volunteer every year to make sure these war heroes have a special home-cooked meal showing their gratitude of all veterans too. These are the people that defend our country. They deserve that support. A day of honoring people serving in the military, celebrating those still here, and remembering those who lost their lives. My son was in the Navy. The reason I volunteer up at the VA is in honor of his memory. Because he's no longer with us. I just do it because I think it's something that needs to be done. Jim takes giving back to veterans to a different level, joining the Northampton Elks Lodge to make a difference in veterans' lives. Hosting activities, taking them out for breakfast, and now, for the past 20 years, the Elks volunteers cooking homemade meals for local war heroes on the day dedicated to them, Veterans Day. I feel very happy that I'm able to do it. It's particularly special to me. My husband is a veteran and I had five brothers and they were all, they are all veterans. A dozen volunteers spending two days in the kitchen of the North Hampton Elks Lodge cooking up meatloaf, mashed potatoes, greens and dessert for about a hundred veterans at the local VA health care center, wrapping the food and packing them up. And once the boxes are filled up with meals, then the VA van pulls up ready to receive the dinners and deliver them to the five units of veterans. The representatives from the VA and the Elks volunteers loading up the van, carrying box after box, hoping to brighten up the day for those who fought for the country. A big part of our mission statement at the Elks is to help veterans anytime we can. Give them something to look forward to every Veterans Day. They love the home-cooked meal. It's not out of a box or a can, and they really appreciate it. After the veterans enjoy their meals, the Elks Lodge receives thanks from them, giving the volunteers more encouragement to keep the tradition going for all the years to come, showing their support of local veterans. Many members of the Northampton Elks Lodge have close ties to Veterans Day with many of their loved ones or even themselves serving in the military. And if you are a veteran, happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service. Working for you, Lexi White, 22 News.