From left, Ralph Tapia, V.F.W. Post 1371 commander, offers a donation to Sister Mary O’Brien, director of Tioga County Rural Ministry, in the amount of $2,067. The donation was made on Thursday at Tioga County Rural Ministry located at 143 North Ave. in Owego, N.Y. (Photo by Wendy Post)
On Oct. 22, area veterans offered some assistance to the community when they delivered a check to Tioga County Rural Ministry in the amount of $2,067. Presented by Ralph Tapia, commander of V.F.W. Post 1371 to Sister Mary O’Brien, director of Tioga County Rural Ministry located on North Avenue in Owego, the funds will assist with feeding those in need during the upcoming holiday season.
“This is very generous,” said Sister Mary upon receipt of the donation. She added, “They [the veterans] are amazing. This will help with the food baskets we will be offering families.”
The funds, according to Tapia, are the proceeds from a recent golf tournament held at Pheasant Hill Country Club in Owego, N.Y., in which ten teams participated. Tapia stated that teams arrived from around the region, and that the V.F.W., along with the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 480 and the V.F.W.’s Men’s and Ladies Auxiliary assisted.
David Bensley, quartermaster of the local V.F.W., gathered the sponsorship necessary to bring the event together, Tapia noted.
An elated Sister Mary talked of her gratitude regarding this donation. To date, according to Sister Mary, over 220 families have signed up for holiday food baskets. Tioga County Rural Ministry also offers an “Adopt A Family for Christmas” program in which 55 community members have been willing to donate to.
“There is a huge need,” said Sister Mary, “especially around the holidays.”
For Tapia, he stated that the veterans are always willing to help out the community. As for the nice weather on Thursday, Tapia noted that he might go play a little golf himself. After that they will be working on their Halloween Party planned for Oct. 30, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the newly renovated hall at the V.F.W. Post, located at 207 Main St. in Owego, N.Y., and across from the Tioga Theater.
To learn more about Tioga County Rural Ministry and the programs offered, or how you can assist, you can contact them by calling (607) 687-3021.
