You can donate holiday meals for veterans

By Sarah Shurge – When November comes around, our first thought typically goes to Thanksgiving. But do you think of our veterans or military members?
It’s important to give thanks to our veterans. That’s why the Wayne-Ford Civic League President Vic Barra, joined by Wayne Mayor John Rhaesa, Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman, and elected officials are coming together for the 11th Annual Holiday Meals for Wayne-Westland veterans and active-duty families.
“This is not a needy-veterans program, this is a thank-you-for-your-service program,” said Barra, the program’s founder. “This is a meal provided by your community in gratitude for your service.”
The program is for Wayne-Westland veterans, surviving spouses, and families of active- duty service members. All you have to do is register and then you will receive a free meal.
“We want veterans to get the appreciation they deserve and pick up the meal even if they don’t need it. They can give it away to someone that does,” said Barra. “Whether you eat it or give it away, it doesn’t matter. We just want to say thank you.”
Once registered, recipients will receive a (14-16 pound) turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, and heat and serve rolls for a family of 6-8 people.
The meal is completely free, all you have to do is register using one of the following two methods:
#1: You can register online with the online form at wayne-ford.com/2024-veteran-meal-registration/
#2: Fill out registration form and return it to the Wayne Ford Civic League (1645 N. Wayne Rd. Westland)
Applications must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19th, to receive a complete holiday meal for free.
Veterans, active-duty service members, and/or their families can pick up their meal on Saturday, November 23rd, between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Wayne Ford Civic League.
If for any reason you are unable to pick up your meal during the scheduled day or hours of pickup, contact the Wayne Ford Civic League at (734)728-5010.
When the program originally started 11 years ago, they were only passing out 30 frozen turkeys from the trunk of their car. However, it quickly grew to supply an entire meal so veterans can invite their family or friends over to eat with them.
267 meal packages were handed out in 2020, 348 meals in 2021, 392 meals in 2022, and 411 meals in 2023. The remaining balance of meals or any extra supplies is given to the residents at Thomas F Taylor Towers.

To DONATE

“This year we hope to grow even further,” said Barra.
The Holiday Meal Team is discussing an Easter Meal Program.
“We’re wanting to do this twice a year now, instead of just once. So, we’re continuing to look for sponsors to fund two programs annually,” said Barra.
The fundraising goal for the Thanksgiving event this year is 25K, as they expect to increase the veteran sign-ups to 450+ meal packages. If you are interested in donating to the cause, please visit: https://wayne-ford.com/donations/
If you’d rather donate by check, donation checks can be made payable to: Wayne Ford Civic League located at 1661 N. Wayne Rd. Westland, MI 48185. Please note in the memo section: Veteran Meal Program. (The Wayne Ford Civic League is a 501©4 corporation. Tax ID 38-6085890).
“We encourage the public to get involved with donations, big or small. We need the public’s engagement in this,” said Barra.
Barra has been involved with the program since day one when it started 11 years ago. Barra is a veteran himself. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1977.
“The program runs extremely smoothly. We’ve been doing it for 11 years, we’ve got it down,” said Barra.