Let’s start a tradition that supports our veterans

To the Editor:

By the end of the parade, Brian Dollard’s blue pickup truck was jam packed with personal hygiene, home care, and clothing items to benefit the Veteran’s Miracle Center of Albany.

“For the first year, this was a fantastic turnout,” Dollard said. “I’m happy to do this again, but we’ll probably need a bigger truck!”

Dollard’s truck, donned with homemade “Fill a Car for the Vets” banners, was accompanied by seven Kiwanis-family volunteers: Andrea Akers, Amanda Bache, Madeline Conroy, myself, Naomi Hertz, and his daughter, Mary-Kait Dollard. Upon counting the items, I was thrilled to report that over 1,300 items were donated, including 314 razors, 175 tubes of toothpaste, 135 toothbrushes, and 125 pairs of socks.

I want to thank the countless Voorheesville community members who brought items both to the parade and to my home in the weeks prior.

I continue to be blown away by the amount of support and engagement displayed by this town. What was once an idea became a reality, and we’ll make a positive difference in the lives of many local veterans because of it. Thank you.

Given the strong community support, I want to continue this tradition at the Memorial Day parade each year. I created a “Fill a Car for the Vets” Facebook page that community members can follow to be updated about future collections. I hope that the concept can be spread to neighboring communities, if not nationwide.

Remember, sometimes it only takes a village.

Alana Fiero

Voorheesville

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