Editor, Smithfield Times

On Friday and Saturday of Nov. 6 and 7, VFW Post 8545 held its annual Buddy Poppy Drive, which is held the weekend before Veterans Day each year to raise money for our Veterans Relief Fund. One hundred percent of this fund is used to help fellow veterans and their families throughout our community that fall on hard times and need a hand up to get back onto their feet.

This fundraising event cannot succeed without the help of a lot of good people. I would like to thank the merchants of Smithfield and Carrollton for allowing our members as well as members of our Auxiliary and ROTC cadets to collect contributions at their place of business. They are ABC Stores, Farm Fresh, Food Lion, Hardees, McDonalds, Roses, Tractor Supply and True Value Hardware.

Most of all, we want to thank you, the people of this entire community, who gave so generously and shared your memories of your loved ones who served our nation in uniform. Because of you, many a military veteran and their families will have a brighter holiday season and a much brighter New Year in 2016.

Howard Hinnant
Vice Commander
VFW Post 8545