Faith-based organization serves veterans at HVAF

Pam Thacker began volunteering at the young age of 16. To Pam, volunteering was a cornerstone of life - a way to help those going through difficult situations, lift them up, and give them hope. Alongside fellow members of New Hope Presbyterian in Fishers, Ind., Pam leads a group that serves HVAF each year. She uses her passion for serving veterans at HVAF by providing a delicious brunch as part of the church’s annual “Day of Caring”.

“It's important to give back to our community, and to our veterans in particular. The freedoms we enjoy today are because of their sacrifice and service to our country,” says Pam.

A team of eight church embers came out to HVAF and prepared a Sunday morning brunch for our veterans which included breakfast casseroles, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit. The opportunity to say thank you to our veterans with food and fellowship at HVAF is something they look forward to each year. New Hope's Day of Caring is now in its 6th year of giving back with approximately 400 church members serving 30 different organizations in the Greater Indianapolis community.

“Spending time with the Veterans strikes a chord with me because my father served in WWII, and remained in the Army Reserves for 32 years - retiring as a Colonel. Dad passed away eight years ago. I am very proud of him, and I know  that he would be pleased to see that we are reaching out to our veterans,” adds Pam.

At HVAF, Pam saw firsthand the struggles veterans’ face that include employment, addiction, or securing permanent housing. She says volunteering is a way to and her members cares. The third Sunday in September is reserved for New Hope's Day of Caring brunch at HVAF.