Cindy Stephens is proud to have a long lineage of veterans in her family.
When Stephens was 16 years old, her grandfather was dying of cancer, an illness she and her family attribute to his time in military service. She promised him before he died she would never let a veteran down.
Stephens has been trying to make good on that promise. Since 2008, she has led Freedom Pantry for Veterans, a Yakima-based nonprofit that organizes distributions of food, clothing, and Christmas gifts for the many veterans in the area.
The grassroots group also chips in support for veterans when they are facing large bills, like replacing a heater or a transmission.
“We’re more than just a food pantry,” Stephens said. “I’m on call for veterans 365 days a year.”
Stephens said the group often helps veterans who don’t qualify for support from the government and other organizations.
Audra Wilson is a Navy veteran and one of the people who has received support from Freedom Pantry for Veterans.
On Dec. 18, Wilson was at Chuck Austin Place, a housing and support center for veterans in Yakima. There, she received Christmas gifts for both herself and her family from the group.
“I think that Cindy is a one-woman miracle worker,” Wilson said.
Wilson had a number of large, unforeseen expenses this year and said she was grateful for the support.
When Wilson was working as a case manager for veterans, she often referred them to Stephens for help, she said.
“She works so well within the community of veterans,” Wilson said. “We embrace her like family.”
Otto Cruz, consolidated veterans services representative for Work Source and an Army National Guard veteran, said Stephens has been a great partner in getting aid to those who have served.
Cruz said he met Stephens a few years ago at the Yakima Stand Down, the annual fair that offers resources and services to local veterans.
“The passion she has is unmatchable,” Cruz said. “I’ve never met anyone like her.”
Stephens also made phone calls to help coordinate the delivery of truckloads of food following the Slide Ranch fire which destroyed 17 homes near White Swan, Cruz said.
Cruz said Stephens could use more help and support.
Freedom Pantry for Veterans currently has a small circle of donors and volunteers, including her son Devin Stephens and Leroy Rothamel, Stephens said. She hopes to do another food distribution in January at Chuck Austin Place, but that will depend on the amount of donations the group receives.
The Freedom Pantry for Veterans accepts donations on the website, freedompantryforveterans.com.
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