Rising Stars: Meet Lynn Algeri of Chardon, Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Algeri.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The Vet Pantry started in 2008, when my daughter deployed to Iraq for the first time. There was the opportunity to continue a bread distribution for Veterans, so I volunteered. At the time, there were only a couple of Veterans, and a single box of bread. Those vets listened as I shared my worries for my daughter. During her second deployment, she was injured outside the wire by an IED. Those same veterans kept telling me, “She’s going to come home; she’s going to be alright”.

The single spark of hope that I would see my child alive again is a debt that cannot be repaid. So, I did the only thing I could, I continued to grow the Vet Pantry. Now, 18 years later, we are still here, helping Veterans who face food insecurity.

And those Veterans were right; she did come home!!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Finding a steady supply of food to distribute is an ongoing challenge. It was then; it is now. We are blessed to have the full support of the people in Geauga County, as we are 100% supplied by donation. Our Pantry does not receive any Federal, State or Local grants, endowments or funding. Our Pantry exists because the residents in this county recognize and honor, service and sacrifice the men and women of our military freely gave.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the founder and director of the Geauga County Veteran Food Pantry. We are a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that is a supplemental food source for Veterans, active-duty military, widows, widowers and dependents in Geauga County, Ohio. The all-volunteer staff provides our participants with a wide variety of canned, boxed, frozen and refrigerator items on a weekly basis. Those that are able come in and do their own shopping. Those who are unable to drive send their order in, and we home deliver to them. We also have a social component, an area where our service men and women can have coffee, donuts and conversation.

To the best of our ability to determine, our Pantry is unique in the State of Ohio, and possibly the U.S.A.

We are very proud of the fact that in 18 years, we have only closed 4 times (due to weather). Our military is always there for us, so we are always here for them!

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
1. It’s very difficult to get a Vet to ask for/accept help.

2. Agent Orange is horrible.

3. Every county needs a Pantry just for Veterans.

4. Not all wounds are visible.

5. Never sneak up on a Marine, no matter their age!!!

Pricing:

• Our Pantry Participants pay nothing.
• This is what is due them.
• Nobody at the Pantry gets paid.
• We are a team.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.geaugacountyveteranfoodpantry.com
• Facebook: Geauga County Veteran Food Pantry
• Other: Email: gcvetpantry@yahoo.com