Yorktown Groups Unite for Veterans
February 24, 2025—Yorktown American Legion Auxiliary 1009, local Girl Scouts, and the Barbara Giordano Foundation joined forces on Sunday to support veterans.
The groups’ primary focus was addressing food insecurity among newly housed, formerly homeless veterans. They collected, packed, and delivered essential food items to My Brother Vinny, a local nonprofit. The gift bags, complete with heartfelt cards crafted by the Girl Scouts and Auxiliary members, will help struggling veterans regain stability.
"It's truly heartening to witness our young people actively engaging in acts of service like this. These gift-bag packing events are more than just simple gestures; they are vital in inculcating a deep sense of patriotism and civic responsibility,” said Supervisor Ed Lachterman, who dropped by the event. “By learning to honor and support our veterans and active service members, these Girl Scouts are not only making a difference today, but they are also building the foundation for a more engaged and stable democracy tomorrow. This kind of community involvement is what strengthens the very fabric of our Town and our nation."
The collaboration extended to veterans nationwide. Attendees at the Sunday event created flag ornaments and personalized cards for women veterans participating in a Paralyzed Veterans of America program.
The volunteers also celebrated active service members by preparing 75 gift bags filled with Girl Scout nuts and candy for Coast Guard personnel. Yorktown resident and Sons of the American Legion member James Calbo collected the bags and personalized cards for delivery to his Coast Guard unit.
This successful event, featuring nine Girl Scouts from Troops 2861, 2781, and a Juliette Scout, alongside nine members of the fledgling ALA Unit 1009, and three members of ALA unit 1038, highlighted the power of community action.
Photo caption: Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman, left, greets members of the Yorktown American Legion Auxiliary and local girl scouts as they pack gift bags for veterans on February 23, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Yorktown American Legion Auxiliary.
