By T.J.

There is a small group of good people doing great work in Stuart, Florida. House A Vet is a Veterans Service organization that aids in quality-of-life issues. Many of our U.S. Veterans need help readjusting to society and real life after returning from serving around the world, and House A Vet is striving to make a difference with those in Martin, St. Lucie, and Palm Beach counties. Their office at 490 S.E. Monterey Rd. in Stuart is led by Director Kevin Donahue with 5 full time staff members and 12 additional volunteers. Together they maintain a food bank, serve a weekly luncheon on Wednesdays, provide temporary housing, and constantly raise funds to keep the program alive. The food bank provides canned and dry goods, fresh vegetables, frozen meats, and toiletries for up to 65 families monthly. Another of their programs has enlisted several local restaurants to take turns delivering meals each week to a transitional home for families awaiting permanent housing.

Over the last 8 years, House A Vet has received tremendous support from the local community but can always use more. They get no government assistance of any kind. Their recent fundraising effort included the 2nd annual poker run which I attended. The stops were at 4 American Legion Posts and 1 VFW Post. The ride ended at Treasure Coast Harley-Davidson with a party out back at the tiki park. Three bands played for the crowd, and they unveiled a beautiful brand new 2021 883 Iron. The bike was built by renowned bike builder Sonny Heflin and painted by Richard Baker. It is a beautiful build being raffled off with the winning ticket scheduled to be pulled Memorial Day weekend. Only 2000 tickets will be sold so go to the website www.houseavet.org to get tickets ($25 each, 5 for $100)
If you would like to help House A Vet with donations of canned goods, gift cards, frozen meats, or monetary donations of any amount, please visit their website for information.