AUSTINTOWN — Last month, the Tri-State Marine Corps League Detachment 494, VFW Hubbard Post 3767 and VFW Austintown Post 4237 combined forces with Sparkle Market in Cornersburg to give away thousands of dollars in gift cards for groceries to veterans.

After serving more than 200 people that day, they had 50 cards remaining and needed to decide what to do with them. So on Saturday, they hosted a second event at the VFW 4237 headquarters at 4150 Mahoning Ave. Besides the gift cards, they also served attendees a hot meal.

Poland resident Mike Morgenstern, a member of both the Marine Corps League and VFW 3767, noted that “the need is there before Christmas and after. It doesn’t go away.” Mark Wesolowsky of Austintown echoed that sentiment, noting there are a lot of bills to pay in January, especially his taxes.

In addition to disbursing the remaining gift cards, the other reason for the gathering was to showcase the location. Post commander Randy Kibler noted that the building, which was an Isaly’s and a hardware store before it became their headquarters, is going through a transformation, as they have put in drywall and new ceilings and replaced the bar top. New flooring is on the way.

They are in the process of creating a new game room. Quartermaster Joe Surman said this will include the pool table, as well as a bowling machine and electronic bingo.

John Hoppa, 83, is the oldest member of the post. He was drafted for VietNam in 1968, less than two years after he got married. He said he likes coming to the VFW for the camaraderie, because “they all come from the service and served our country.”

Eddie Perry and his wife, Loretta Watts Perry, of Liberty, were among the participants. Watts Perry said she was glad the weather wasn’t as cold today and it was a pleasure to come out “to meet and greet other veterans.”

Youngstown resident Christopher Kalis drives fellow veterans to medical appointments. He said Saturday’s event was “a great thing to do.” He was sharing a meal with Austintown resident Anthony Accordino, who added, “It helps a lot.”