Cindy Stephens is pleased to have a long history of her family members.
Her father, who Stephens and her family feature to his time in the military service, passed away when Stephens was 16 years older. Before he passed away, she promised to never let a former over.
Stephens has made an effort to fulfill that promise. Since 2008, she has led Freedom Pantry for Veterans, a , Yakima-based philanthropic that integrates distribution of food, clothes, and Christmas presents for the many soldiers in the area.
The grassroots organization also offers assistance to veterans who are in need of substantial repairs, such as changing their distribution or burner.
” We’re more than just a food pantry”, Stephens said. ” I’m on call for veterans 365 days a time”.
Stephens claimed that the organization frequently assists soldiers who don’t receive funding from the government or other organizations.
Audra Wilson , is a , Navy , senior and one of the individuals who has received support from Freedom Pantry for Veterans.
On , Dec. 18, Wilson was at , Chuck Austin Place, a housing and support centre for veterans in , Yakima. She received Christmas presents from the party for both her and her family there.
” I think that Cindy is a one-woman magic worker”, Wilson said.
Wilson acknowledged that she was appreciative of the support despite having a number of huge, unforeseen expenses this year.
Wilson frequently referred soldiers to Stephens for assistance when she was in charge of cases for veterans, according to Wilson.
” She works so well within the society of servicemen”, Wilson said. ” We embrace her like home”.
Otto Cruz, unified soldiers services member for Job Source and an , Army National Guard , senior, said Stephens has been a great companion in getting support to those who have served.
Cruz claimed to have met Stephens at the Yakima Stand Down, an annual event that provides resources and services to local soldiers, a few years back.
” The love she has is unmatchable”, Cruz said. ” I’ve never met someone like her”.
Stephens even made phone calls to help organize the distribution of carloads of food following the , Slide Ranch , flames which destroyed 17 houses near , White Swan, Cruz said.
Cruz claimed that Stephens could use more assistance and support.
Liberty Pantry for Veterans now has a small group of contributors and participants, including her son , Devin Stephens , and , Leroy Rothamel, Stephens said. She intends to distribute another food item to Chuck Austin Place in January, but that will focus on how much money is given to the organization.
The Freedom Pantry for Veterans accepts funds on the website,  , freedompantryforveterans.com.
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( c ) 2024 Yakima Herald-Republic
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