MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — A nonprofit in the Poconos that helps veterans began moving into a former Boy Scout camp over the weekend.
What used to be the dining hall for Boy Scouts at the former Camp Trexler Scout Reservation in Polk Township is now the new pantry for Paul's House and the Valor Clinic Foundation.
Founder Mark Baylis says the property offers a lot of opportunity.
"Eventually, we're going to move our retreat programs out here. The benefactors are looking into ... small camper mini homes," Baylis said. "He's looking at buying a series of those for us to put the vets in and some office space to do claims for veterans."
The nonprofit that helps veterans get back up on their feet began moving in over the weekend, starting with the pantry.
Baylis says it was important to get it up and running for their holiday meal program. But while the space is ready to go, donations have been hard to come by.
"We've been doing food drives, and it's just not as productive as it normally is," said Susan Schwarz, the holiday meal coordinator. "It's just the economy, the way it is. Prices have gone up."
The packing and distribution of holiday meals will be taking place at the former dining hall, giving volunteers a much better workspace.
"It's more than a step up. I can't even tell you how fantastic it is to be here," Schwarz said. "It will definitely be a big help. We can move around, not step over everybody. Yeah, it was very small where we were before at Paul's House."
With less than three weeks until Thanksgiving and more than 500 families to feed, the organization needs more donations of food for their holiday meal boxes.
"It's a lot of food, and a lot of work, and a lot of smiles when you can help somebody celebrate a holiday, that they may have wartime memories or not being able to celebrate holidays just because they were in gunfire."
You can also help the Valor Clinic Foundation by volunteering. The nonprofit is looking for people to load vehicles and deliver meals.