District Attorney Isidro Alaniz
The Fourth Annual Volunteers Serving the Need (VSTN) Veterans Day Banquet is set for Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the IBC Annex, 2418 Jacaman Road.
The annual salute to veterans of all wars features honored guests Webb County District Attorney Isidro Alaniz and Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar.
Tables for 10 are on sale at three sponsorship levels — Platinum, $1,000; Gold, $750; and Silver, $500. Individual tickets are $50.
Reservations can be secured at www.vstn.org/contribute-to-the-cause or by calling (956) 717-2960.
The mission of VSTN is to provide military veterans in need and their surviving spouses with monthly groceries and personal hygiene and basic household items.
Sheriff Martin Cuellar
Also known as The Veterans Project, VSTN is funded by the sale of donated items in the organization’s thrift store at 1202 Salinas Ave. and through financial gifts and grants from the community.
All funds are used to acquire groceries and other items for direct distribution to eligible military veterans and their surviving spouses in Webb County and to cover operational expenses.
VSTN became a 501©3 non-profit in October 2009 and established a thrift store in January 2010. A partnership with the South Texas Food Bank significantly changed the organization’s services to meet the nutritional needs of veterans in need.
By August 2011, VSTN provided groceries to several hundred Military families.
As it became evident that veterans needed more than nutritional assistance, VSTN rallied the support of other community agencies for assistance with food stamp applications, debt management classes, clothing suitable for job interviews, and transportation for medical appointments and interviews.
A VSTN network of resources for veterans expanded with the donation of three semi trailer convex boxes to accommodate the storage needs of its growing “outdoor” thrift store.
VSTN has garnered the attention of community groups, business leaders, learning Institutions, and the media, which have boosted an increase in volunteers, grants, financial support, and donations to the thrift store.
Military veteran families are among the volunteers who help prepare items for distribution.
A Veterans Clubhouse facility was donated in March 2016 and has become a gathering place for veterans to enjoy coffee and donuts while waiting to be served.
VSTN serves more than 500 military families a month.
“Many of our military families are dealing with life-threatening medical conditions. Having to choose between medications or nutrition is not a freedom that they fought for. We thank every compassionate donor who has helped us make a difference in the lives of those who have made such a difference in ours,” said VSTN director Gigi Ramos.
