Tucson Business community comes together to support Veterans through food drive
Seven years ago, the Arizona Transportation Builders Association (ATB) in Tucson, Ariz. started a donation drive to support Veterans. On Wednesday, July 9, the ATB donated a large quantity of clothing items, food, and hygiene products to the Tucson VA's Patriot Pantry and Homeless Veteran Program.
Spearheaded by the association’s executive director Lisa Hagins, the initiative has grown significantly over the years with the help of the organization's membership and local business leaders.
"We began this food and donation drive with the goal of helping our Veterans and active-duty troops in Tucson," Hagins said. "We’ve been able to raise money and provide food for the VA pantry here in town, thanks to the tremendous support we've received over the years."
The drive was inspired by Robert Jones and his son, Robert Williams Jones Jr., a Cienega High School student and ROTC member who joined the Army as a dog handler. Tragically, Williams Jones Jr. lost his life in Kosovo. Jones wanted to honor his son's memory by giving back to the community.
"You can never fully make up for that kind of sacrifice," Hagins remarked. "But if we can at least make life easier for some of our Veterans and active-duty troops who sometimes struggle with food insecurities, then we are doing something meaningful."
Jones expressed his gratitude to help Veterans in need.
"I'm blessed to be part of this process and this beautiful group of people," Jones said. "Keeping my son's name alive through these efforts is something I deeply appreciate. We won’t forget it."
Hagins thanked the VA for their unwavering support.
"The VA has been amazing," she noted. "We love our VA and our Veterans. I hope this donation can make a small difference because we know there's a real need out there."
The Tucson VA Patriot Pantry and Homeless Program staff were grateful for the donation from the ATB. The donation will provide critical assistance to Veterans with food insecurities.
If you or your organization would like to donate to Tucson VA's Patriot Pantry or Homeless Program, please contact our Center for Development & Civic Engagement at tucsoncdce@va.gov.