Little Stores launches campaign to honor veterans

Area Little Stores have begun a companywide “Let’s Fill the Plane!” fundraising drive to provide seats for Northland military veterans on an the honor flight departing May 15.

The goal is to collect enough money to pay for a seat for at least 30 vets at a cost of $600 each. Honor Flight Network, a nonprofit created to honor American veterans for their sacrifices, organizes the flights to Washington D.C., where veterans can visit the memorials honoring their heroism. Priority is given to senior veterans from WWII and older veterans who may be terminally ill.

“Each plane can accommodate 162 people. Usually about 100 vets and 60 support staff make the trip. Over 180 vets have already applied to go in May,” according to Judy Greske, co-chair of Honor Flight Northland.

All seventeen company-owned Little Stores have established their own individual goal. For example, Superior hopes to contribute at least three flights. To accomplish this, various events are planned. Presently stores are selling red, white and blue American flags ranging in cost from $1 to $10.

In February, customers will be able to purchase a Little Store Honor Flight Card, offering discounts on gas, coffee and more, with all proceeds dedicated to underwriting the cost of the flights. Selected stores will host Honor Flight Silent Auctions in March.

“The opportunity to honor our World War II vets is slipping away, so we need to act quickly and seize the moment while we still can,” Mike McKinney of the Little Stores said.

During the past year, the Little Stores have worked to raise money for a wide range of causes.

Over the summer, during the 40th anniversary, over $11,000 was collected between all the stores. Each individual store decided to whom the money it raised was to be given: $3,600 went the Young Survivors Coalition Tour de Pink and $2,800 to the Friends of Animals. Additionally, last November and December, the stores raised $4,500 for the ALS Blizzard Tour.

Tags: news, food, veterans, money, animals