Hi, my name is Deb Colagerakis-Nelon and myself, along with about half a dozen friends, provide meals for homeless veterans.

Hurricane Helene destroyed the Veterans Restoration Quarters in Asheville, NC last October, and the veterans have been living in a hotel ever since. Mercy Chefs provides most of the meals and does a fine job. However, there are times Mercy Chefs cannot provide meals, so community members step in. We try to talk with the veterans and find out what foods they would like to receive. We have done everything from fried chicken, pork loin, and sirloin tips to a low country boil. We currently try to obtain fresh vegetables to serve throughout the summer.

This month, we will be doing fried chicken, potato salad, and fresh green beans with cornbread and banana pudding! Our last meal, we surprised the guys and brought in butter pats for the cornbread; they were thrilled! You see, there is very little storage at the hotel, so small items like butter are a luxury.

Their facility will not be rebuilt until at least late 2026, please help us continue to provide meals cooked with love for these amazing men who risked their lives for ours! Currently, we are required to provide meals for 80 individuals. Our goal is to stay within a $500 budget for each meal. If you would like to sponsor a meal in memory or honor of someone, we will be glad to display a sign during service, letting the men know who is being remembered and who provided funding. We work in conjunction with the Veterans Quarters and can provide tax-exempt information if needed.

Thank you for your time and consideration! No amount is too small (or too big)!