The Old Firehouse Senior Center, 100 Avon Belden Road in Avon Lake, was the site of a free drive-thru lunch for veterans Nov. 12.
In partnership with the city of Avon Lake, Infinite Helping Hands, Hospice of the Western Reserve and Busch Funeral and Crematory Services, the event served over 20 veterans with a meal and other items from each organization involved.
“We’re all working together,” said Sally Tomko, director of provider relations for Infinite Helpings Hands. “This is five years now that we’ve done this for the veterans of Avon Lake.”
To support a local business in the process, Tomko said Salad Kraze provided box lunches with turkey sandwiches and chips for the meals.
Busch Funeral Services provided bags with cookies and other items.
Each lunch was accompanied with a bottle of water.
“Busch loves to honor our veterans; we do a lot of programs to honor them while they’re still with us and honor them for their service,” said Heidi Thimke, celebrant at Busch Funeral and Crematory Services.
Since the event required registration, Hospice of the Western Reserve was able to provide certificates with each veteran’s name to honor their service, as well as a pin.
The pin depicted an American flag crossed with an honored veteran flag draped over the state of Ohio.
“We give those to each veteran that we honor in our services and ceremonies throughout the year,” said Nathan Gradisher provider relations manager for Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Pat Quinn, an Avon Lake resident and U.S. Navy veteran, attended the event to help greet and honor veterans by giving them a salute upon receiving their certificates.
“This is a great thing, and anything you can do for the vets, we appreciate,” Quinn said.
According to Mike Kral, Avon Lake recreation facility manager, the event has been well-received by veterans and their families since its inception.
Tomko said the event has grown each year, and some veterans have attended annually.
“It’s just an honor to do it, to remember and honor them,” she said. “We would not have our freedoms in this country if it were not for the veterans of the United States.”
Said Thimke: “For me, it just touches my heart to be able to give back even a tiny bit and make their day brighter for sure.”
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