VFW Post 1461 Donates to Two Local Organizations

By Kathryn Menue, EDITOR

 VFW Post 1461 of Belvidere gave back to two community organizations after the National Veterans of Foreign Wars awarded them with a special grant for such purposes. “We received a $1,000 grant to be used in our community from the national VFW,” VFW Post 1461 Commander Greg Kelm said. After receiving the grant, the VFW Committee had trouble determining which local organization deserved the funds the most. The choice was narrowed down between the Salvation Army and the Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry. “Those are two key organizations that we like,” Commander Kelm said. He said the VFW especially likes to donate to the Salvation Army and the Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry at this time of year, since the two organizations give so much at Christmastime. Not being able to decide between the two, the VFW resolved to contribute to both organizations. Instead of merely breaking up the $1,000 and donating $500 to each organization; the VFW elected to pull $1,000 from their own account, so the Salvation Army and the Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry could each receive $1,000 donations. VFW Post 1461’s contribution came from funds generated through breakfasts and other fundraisers they conduct throughout the year. On Friday, Oct. 21, Commander Kelm presented the $1,000 checks to the Salvation Army and the Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry. For the Salvation Army, Lt. Tomas Valladares and Lt. Martha Valladares accepted the donation. For the Boone County Food Pantry, Executive Director Linda Clark accepted the donation.

Executive Director of the Boone County Food Pantry, Linda Clark accepts the donation from Commander Greg Klem of VFW Post 1461.

Lt. Martha Valladares of the Salvation Army accepts the donation from Commander Greg Klem of VFW Post 1461.

Both organizations were very thankful for the generous donations and continued support from VFW Post 1461.

Executive Director Clark said that the VFW has supported the pantry for many years, and the pantry is “blessed by their kind and giving spirit.” The Belvidere VFW supports many organizations in the community, and the Food Pantry is “very grateful” that the VFW chose the Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry for this “generous contribution.”