Gratitude in a Box: How a Community Made Thanksgiving Special for Their Veterans
Matthew Walton, an Army Veteran and Transportation Assistant with the Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN), has seen the Thanksgiving food box program grow significantly in its six years. This year the program received nearly 550 boxes, at the time of this interview—almost 200 more than needed.
Matthew Walton, Voluntary Service Specialist and Army Veteran, shared his thoughts on the program's progress this year. "The program aimed to provide 352 Thanksgiving Day and blessing boxes, but we received close to 550, thanks to the incredible support from the community," Walton said.
Primary care providers like social workers, nurses, and doctors refer patients experiencing food insecurity to the program. "That's where our primary care team comes in. Social workers, nurses, and doctors screen their patients for food insecurity. If a patient is identified, they are asked if they would like a Thanksgiving Day box, or as we like to call it, a 'blessing box.' If they say yes, the doctor, nurse, or social worker refers them through our program," shares Walton.
Each uniform box contains enough food for a family of five, plus a gift card to Walmart for a turkey or ham. This thoughtful inclusion ensures everyone can get a turkey that fits their needs. Sides and desserts, like Jello and brownie mix, are also included, making it easy for all, even those who aren't seasoned bakers.
When asked about the response from our Veterans when they receive a visit from one of our drivers, dropping off a “blessing box,” Matt had this to say:
"Overwhelming gratitude. They're always very thankful that someone thought of them and helped them out. Especially if someone is delivering the box, it means they have a hard time getting to the facility to pick it up, either due to financial constraints, transportation issues, or physical disabilities."
The program thrives on a dedicated team of volunteers, including VA volunteers, who assemble and deliver the boxes. "We have a dedicated group of volunteers, including VA employees who help out when needed. Some VA employees and volunteers even deliver boxes to their neighbors or people living close by, to ensure a timely delivery," Walton said.
The Marion VA aims to deliver the boxes within four days, giving recipients ample time to plan their Thanksgiving meals. Serving a tri-state area, across 52 counties, the deliveries reach locations like Effingham, Vincennes IN, Paducah KY, Mount Vernon IN, Mayfield KY, Harrisburg, and Carbondale.
Walton expressed deep appreciation for the support from organizations like DAV and American Legion, and their auxiliaries. "These groups consistently step up to help, showing that people still care about supporting veterans in need," he said.
The Thanksgiving food box program exemplifies the power of community and the impact of collective effort. Through the dedication of volunteers, support from local organizations, and the unwavering commitment of individuals like Matthew Walton, hundreds of veterans can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with their families. This program not only addresses immediate food insecurity but also strengthens the bonds within the community, reminding veterans that they are valued and supported.