Food drive held for veterans in Albany

A food drive was held today at the Red Cross office on Everett Rd. to collect non-perishable food items for the Albany Stratton VA.

Since the start of the pandemic, the risk of food insecurity has risen higher for veterans.

Organizations, like the American Red Cross, are working to support veterans struggling to put food on the table.

The organizer and Marine Corps veteran, George Walker, says these drives are incredibly important. This is because the only items that fill the VA’s food pantry are from donations and events like this.

Walker explained “There’s a lot of veterans that are just hurting out there, for various reasons. Generally no fault of their own. They’ve served, they’ve given to us, so now we give back.”

Sneakers and personal hygiene items were also collected. The Albany Stratton VA takes donations all year long.