Nathan Jeffers/photo

Pictured are members of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 23 with the non-perishable food items collected so far for their second annual Easter food drive for veterans.

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POINT PLEASANT — “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 23 have taken the message from Mark 12:31 to love and help others to heart and are holding their second annual Easter food drive for veterans and their families.

According to Auxiliary President Lisa Thorne, they were able to give 50 bags of food to veterans and veterans’ families for the Easter holiday last year and based on the items they’ve received so far they will be able to do at least 50 bags again this year and possibly more. Thorne said they’ve collected around 250 non-perishable food items and are looking to gather more.

Thorne spoke on why the auxiliary is holding the drive again this year, saying they simply want to help out veterans of any branch of the military and their families who may be in need during the Easter season.

“Anybody that’s in need, we’re glad to help them,” Thorne said.

Auxiliary members have also received monetary donations which they will use to purchase other items needed for the drive. Those wishing to donate to the food drive can drop off non-perishable food items, or monetary donations, at the American Legion until March 18.

The pickup date for veterans and their families who can benefit from this drive will be Wednesday, March 23, from 1-4 p.m., or until their supply is gone, at the American Legion in Point Pleasant.

Thorne also noted supplies remaining after last year’s drive were donated to the Huntington VA Medical Center. Any remaining food items will from this year will also be given to the hospital.