- February 6, 2025
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As the new year was just getting started, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3282 went around the community to distribute hats, sleeping mats, food and money to the homeless.
VFW Cmdr. Joe Rosa spent Wednesday, Jan. 3, handing out the items, which were donated by Ponce Inlet Realty. The business also organized for the collection of plastic bags from Volusia County residents. The bags were cut, tied and rolled to create plastic yearn.
The Ponce Inlet Realty agents, under the direction of Broker Associate Penny Norfolk, crocheted the bags into ground cover mats for the homeless to use. Agents were able to make around 100 mats measuring around 6 feet long and 4 feet wide.
"The cold weather has hit us hard at this time. Let us not forget the ones that are hit the hardest," Rosa wrote in an email. "The homeless are feeling it more than us. This is not the time to ask why they are, but to help."
According to Broker Ann Crane, for the last eight years the agents have donated 1% of their earned commission toward local family crisis help centers. This has come to a total of more than $50,000 since 2008.
Twice a year, the company forms a committee to look for new ways to donate money or necessary items.
"We like to keep that local and direct," Crane said. "We try and help individuals that are in need in our community."
Last year, Rosa was able to get in touch with the company and form the connection to distribute items to the homeless. The VFW also received a $5,000 donation from the company to be put toward a generator. According to Rosa, VFW members had been trying to raise money for a generator after losing power during last year's hurricane season.
"I have the utmost respect for the veterans," Norfolk said. "I think we have to pause and realize the freedom and choices we have are by the sacrifices of our vets."
