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The Veterans Resource Group (VRG) is set to host a Greet, Meet and Eat Day on Aug. 24 at the Greenville Library Pavilion from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event promises a day filled with food and fun, inviting all veterans and their families to come out, learn more about the VRG, get information about claims and meet fellow veterans. There will also be door prizes.

“We are a nonprofit,” said VRG founder Gloria Owens. “So everything we do is done through donations. In just the last month, we’ve managed to give out over $2,000 to go towards school uniforms and shoes.” 

Owens highlighted that the organization’s mission is to “serve beyond the call of duty,” achieved through acts of service such as feeding and clothing the homeless and donating to various causes within the community.

In recent months, the VRG has sponsored a group of Butler County students by donating Walmart and Hibbett Shoe Store gift certificates for back-to-school necessities. Additionally, the group has made donations to homeless shelters in Montgomery, Birmingham and Pensacola.

The VRG, which is open to all veterans, meets on the first and third Friday of every month at Beeland Park at 11 a.m. Meetings include lunch, prayer and an open forum for discussion.

“We are a praying group and a safe place for veterans to discuss any topic they wish,” Owens added.

Local Vietnam veteran Larry Lewis expressed his gratitude for the VRG’s presence in the community. 

“It’s great for veterans to have a place to go and socialize,” Lewis said. “And it’s great that they’re still serving and giving back to the community.”

For more information or to address direct needs within the community, Owens can be contacted at 334-368-0540.