A nonprofit in the area started with a simple idea. A group of people got together to find a way to thank veterans and Home for Dinner was born.
The group wants to buy every veteran in the area a meal and they do it by passing out gift cards, board member Tera Woodhouse explained.
"It's not about a certain income level or what they get from the GI bill," she said, "It's not need based. It's a simple thank you."
They've been thanking veterans for six years and have handed out a total of 1,300 gift cards for $50 each.
"We hear some great stories," she said.
The cards come from restaurants that will partner with the nonprofit. When they purchase cards, they often get a matching number donated. Red Lobster, Gusanos and Crabby's have donated.
Last year, Home for Dinner worked with Allen's Food Market to get veterans gift cards for groceries. Some people, Woodhouse explained, would rather eat at home.
Distributions are scheduled each Wednesday morning. On the first Wednesday of each month they are at the University of Arkansas, near the Veterans Services office. On the second Wednesday of each month, they are at Northwest Arkansas Community College, in front of the Veterans Resource office in the Student Center. On the third and fourth Wednesday of each month, they are at Wells Fargo Financial Services in Springdale, located at 6815 Isaacs Orchard Road, Suite C.
For Bella Vista residents, the NWACC distribution is probably the closest, Woodhouse said.
Volunteers will ask for three items: a valid Arkansas driver's license or state-issued ID card; a DD 214 or active duty service card (retirement card is also accepted); and proof of residency in Benton or Washington counties (water bill, electric bill, voter ID card).
Veterans are eligible to receive only one gift card, so a database of recipients is kept, but that information is never used for any other purpose, Woodhouse promised.
With the meal program going well, Home for Dinner recently decided to expand into scholarships. Veterans who are in school are eligible to receive a $250 scholarship each semester.
Money for both programs comes from donations and an annual fundraiser. The fundraiser, scheduled for Aug. 10 this year, is really just a gathering of supporters who enjoy spending an evening together.
"We are all volunteers," Woodhouse said. "We have no office. We just have a bag with our gift cards in it."
They also have a website, www.home4dinner.us, and a Facebook page, www.facebook.com/home4dinnerarkansas, to find out more. Or call 479-640-8592 or 479-381-0711.
General News on 04/26/2017