Valley Vets Deliver 75 Backpacks for Homeless Veterans Today

UPDATE: Valley Vets in Conyngham has just filled 75 backpacks with essential supplies for homeless veterans, significantly exceeding their initial goal of 50. This urgent initiative unfolded today, October 24, 2025, as community members rallied to support those who have served our country.

The headquarters at Valley Vets, Post No. 8161 of Veterans of Foreign Wars, transformed into a bustling supply depot filled with warm clothes, hygiene items, and snacks. The donations poured in from veterans, local residents, churches, and businesses, creating a remarkable community effort to assist homeless veterans through the FSB Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to finding and aiding veterans living on the streets.

Cheryl Thomas, president of the Valley Vets auxiliary, expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, “It seemed to be quite a large project and almost impossible to achieve, but like our veterans, we didn’t quit.” The backpacks are packed with critical items like thermal underwear, hand warmers, gloves, and winter hats, all aimed at providing comfort as the cold weather sets in.

The FSB Initiative, led by veteran Chaz Kraynak, who once experienced homelessness himself, is vital to this mission. Kraynak’s organization actively searches for homeless veterans in abandoned buildings and camps, providing immediate assistance to those in need. “About 23% of homeless individuals are veterans,” Kraynak noted, emphasizing the urgent need for support.

If a homeless veteran agrees to seek help at the local Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center near Wilkes-Barre, they can receive essential medical and mental health care. “We’ll make them comfortable, but not so comfortable that they say, ‘I can make it through the winter,’” Kraynak added, highlighting the initiative’s commitment to getting veterans off the streets.

Since its inception, the FSB Initiative has successfully assisted 250 veterans in transitioning to stable housing. The donated backpacks are expected to be distributed quickly, especially during the festive season at Camp Orchard Hill in Dallas, which serves as a temporary holiday home for homeless men.

Jim Payne, director of Camp Orchard Hill, expressed admiration for the FSB Initiative’s work, stating, “I have personally witnessed them help veterans get off the street and immediately into housing.” The camp will be open from December 15 to 22 this year.

Additionally, FSB Initiative provides clothing, hygiene items, and snacks to civilians living outdoors, demonstrating their broader commitment to community support. Notably, volunteers drive this effort; Kraynak insists that no one involved receives payment. “If you’re doing it for money, you’re not doing it for the right reasons,” he asserted.

As the Valley Vets continue to collaborate with FSB Initiative, the community is reminded of the critical need for ongoing support. To learn more about how to help or donate, visit FSB Initiative’s website at https://fsbinc.org/.

This inspiring effort exemplifies the power of community action in tackling homelessness among veterans. The urgency of this mission calls for immediate attention and support, as winter approaches and the need for assistance grows.