Serving Those Who Have Served Our Country

Writer kirsten mcwilliams

Photographer Eric Forberger

Mr. Sandy’s Homeless Veteran’s Center opened in 2015 to serve individuals in the community. With the help of its volunteers and supporters, Mr. Sandy’s is able to provide meals Tuesday through Sunday, along with clothing, resources, and shelter to homeless veterans in need.

One of Mr. Sandy’s volunteers, Maria Santana, prepares delicious, filling meals for those who come to the center daily. She’s been volunteering for different causes and organizations for the past 20 years and has been serving at Mr. Sandy’s for a little more than three years.

Mr. Sandy’s holds a special place in her heart. Santana’s husband served in Vietnam, and her son served in Iraq. Volunteering at Mr. Sandy’s is her way of saying thank you to those who have sacrificed to serve our country. As a Christian, she says, giving back is an important virtue, and she is grateful for the opportunity to serve others. The environment of Mr. Sandy’s fosters a spirit of camaraderie, friendship, and family among the veterans and its volunteers.

“Other volunteers, the veterans, and I are a big family. No one is a stranger here, and we treat everyone like family,” she shares.

Mr. Sandy’s appreciates its volunteers. Although volunteering spots may be limited at times, other ways to support the organization exist. Mr. Sandy’s accepts donations of any household items which include hygiene products, blankets, and large and small household appliances. Community members may bring donations of food, beverages, clothing, and shoes to Mr. Sandy’s.

With the holidays approaching, Sandie Walker, daughter of center founder Mr. Sandy, shares other ways for people to help.

“Anyone may adopt a veteran and his or her family for Thanksgiving which entails donating a turkey, sides, and additional fixings that pair with a Thanksgiving meal. One may also sponsor a veteran and his or her family for Christmas by donating food to prepare a Christmas meal and gifts. Since we are a small grassroots organization operated by volunteers, we appreciate financial donations that help us continue our mission.”

Those interested in volunteering at, donating to, or learning more about Mr. Sandy’s can call the center or contact Mr. Sandy’s through its website.

This story for Mr. Sandy’s Homeless Veteran’s Center is sponsored by United Fiber & Data.

YRK PERSPECTIVES:

What’s Your Flavor?

“We are a blend of compassion, love and kindness with a comforting fragrance of service to those who have served our country.”

— Sandie Walker, Mr. Sandy’s Homeless Veteran’s Center

mr. sandy’s homeless veteran’s center

412 W. King St. York, PA 17401
717.900.4742

Originally Appears in Issue 26
Page 26

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