During our nearly 10 years of operation, I have been the recipient of many heartfelt messages applauding me for my fine work in assisting our less fortunate veterans suffering food insecurity. For that, I am humbled and grateful. But, I must confess the true heroes are the Vittles’ volunteers who dedicate their time and energy, not for recognition or kudos, but solely for the improvement of our at-risk veterans’ situations.
Vittles for Vets was recently selected for Freedom First Credit Union’s Play for Purpose – First Downs program. For every first down that Virginia Tech Football makes in a game, Freedom First donates $100 to a local charity! Bill, Sandra, January and her kids were all in Lane Stadium to watch Virginia Tech make 25 (yes, 25!!) first downs against Pittsburgh on Sept. 30! On October 16, Vittles was awarded $2500! That’s enough to feed a Veteran for 1 year in our program!
Thank you to Spencer Lowery, Freedom First Credit
On Oct. 12, Bill and January were presented with a $500 donation from Post Commander Jay Kyle of VFW Post 5311 in Christiansburg. The Veteran members of Post 5311 volunteer their time throughout the year with weekly bingo, VT concessions, etc. to raise funds for local organizations such as Vittles. Thank you to the men and women of Post 5311 for your continued support of our at-risk Veterans and our mission.
This effort was the result of a partnership between FIRST NRV CREDIT UNION and Janiele Hamden, the COVID-19 SUPPORT GROUP founder, who provides a weekly RADFORD CARE CARD and gift to an organization recognized for their tremendous service and good will in Radford.
Pictured from left to right:
Luke Bland (Marketing & Member Specialist)
Owen McKinnie (CEO)
Bill McCann (Founder of Vittles for Vets)
Janiele Hamden (Dedicated Radford Community Member)
Sue Kirk (Consumer Lending Officer)
Belmont II Ruritan Club President, Dean Gray presenting a check for $300.00 to Bill McCann. founder, and Betty Whiteman, event coordinator to support the Vittles for Vets program.
Bill McCann with Vittles for Vets Radford came by to pick up a SUPPORT-LOCAL/SHOP LOCAL check for $280.00 from John Giesen of 11 West. Like Vittles for Vets, over 55 businesses and charities have benefited from the amazing outpouring of community support through the purchase of tee shirts! To see all who have benefited, click the link-https://shoplocal.elevenwest.com/ Thank you to everyone who has helped make a difference.
BAE Systems donated $1,000.00 in $25.00 gift cards for either a turkey or a ham at any food store. (Christmas 2019) for our veterans in need.
TREBEL FITNESS in Blacksburg, VA sponsored a fundraiser for the Vittles for Vets in memory of Navy Seal Michael Murphy killed in an ambush in 2005 in Afghanistan. Vittles received a donation of $480.00 for their efforts. Thank you and God Bless.
Alcova Mortgage named Bill McCann hometown hero and donated $500.00 to the Vittles for Vets. They treated us to a great lunch at Billy’s in Roanoke. Thanks so much.
Grandchildren set up a booth for collections promoting “The Learning Place” in Rhode Island which was at an event held at their library. Left to right:
Autumn McCann, Billy McCann and Hannah McCann. They managed to take in $100.00 for Vittles for Vets.