BIGFORK – It was a particular gathering at Harvest Meals in Bigfork on Friday afternoon when Montana Legends, a nonprofit group in Flathead County, crammed meals vehicles for veterans in want.
The Montana Legends collect at Harvest Meals in Bigfork to assist veterans yearly simply earlier than the vacations.
“We began it simply to offer again to the individuals who gave to us,” Montana Legends President JP Pettigrew stated.
The Montana Legends host an annual veterans memorial motorbike poker race the Saturday earlier than Memorial Day weekend.
The Legends raffle off a bike every year throughout the occasion with proceeds going on to meals insecure veterans in northwest Montana.
“We attempt to do it proper earlier than the vacations so all these folks can have Christmas dinner.”
Pettigrew stated they companion with Harvest Meals in Bigfork to safe the meals, fill vehicles and ship the merchandise to the Northwest Montana Veterans Meals Pantry in Kalispell.
“We've been averaging between $15,000 and $35,000 value of meals that we give them every year.”
This yr's donation is equal to eleven pallets of meals, with a retail worth of $30,000.
“This implies lots to us as a result of it helps us fill our vacation meals bins and it’ll have the stuffing and all the good things, the mashed potatoes and the gravy that we are able to use for our veterans,” stated Northwest Montana Veterans . Meals Pantry spokesperson Cinnamon Davis-Corridor.
Davis-Corridor stated they sometimes serve as much as 300 veterans and their households throughout the vacation season.
“It's an effective way to honor our veterans and supply that assist to our at-risk homeless veterans who want it, and the emotional assist that can come from with the ability to have that vacation meal with their household and associates. Davis-Corridor added.
Pettigrew stated Montana Legends has raised almost $500,000 for veterans in want over the previous 16 years.
“I feel it's overwhelming that we are able to assist them on this method.”