Local Organizations Support Veterans in Need

Posted On: December 16, 2025

Two community organizations stepped up this month to support Volusia County veterans through the holidays and beyond. And the folks at Volusia County Veterans Services were happy to help!

Woodland Towers

The staff at Woodland Towers of DeLand went above and beyond for local veterans on Dec. 6, organizing, funding, and hosting an inaugural "Support Our Heroes" Fundraiser that raised $5,000 for the Volusia Values Veterans Support Endowment.

From concept to execution, the Woodland Towers team made it happen. Staff members, led by Lori Johnson and Tammy Cornett, secured donations of 50 gift baskets from local businesses and community supporters, provided all the refreshments and appetizers, and created a festive afternoon celebration complete with live music. Their dedication to honoring those who served showed in every detail of the event as residents and veterans gathered to support the cause.

The fundraiser's success means real help for veterans in need. The $5,000 raised will address critical needs in our veteran community: preventing and ending veteran homelessness, supporting food security programs, funding Volusia County's annual Stand Down event, and providing professional development for veteran service officers. For more information about the Veterans Support Endowment, contact Scott Olson at 386-740-5102 or solson@volusia.org.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit #127

Small but mighty. That’s the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #127 of Lake Helen–Cassadaga. With just 16 dedicated members, including four active members, the unit advocates for veterans, educates citizens, mentors youth, and promotes patriotism, good citizenship, peace, and security as a nonprofit 501(c)(19) organization.

As part of Operation Homefront: Homeless Veteran Supply Drive, the legionnaires provided 51 filled backpacks for  homeless veterans in Volusia County. Each backpack was filled with comfort essentials, including cold-weather items, hygiene products, and nutritious snacks. Orangetheory Fitness in South DeLand partnered with the unit to provide snack donations, and Tractor Supply in Osteen contributed additional cold-weather gear to support the mission.

Volusia County Veterans Services and the VA’s homeless veteran contact team will make sure the backpacks are delivered to the right people.

“Together – with steadfast volunteers and compassionate community partners – Unit #127 continues to honor and uplift our local heroes, ensuring no veteran is forgotten or left behind,” said Kelly Frasca, president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit #127.