Valley Vets Provide 75 Backpacks for Homeless Veterans

On October 24, 2025, members of the Valley Vets organization in Conyngham, Pennsylvania, gathered to fill 75 backpacks with essential supplies for homeless veterans. The initiative, a collaboration with the FSB Initiative, aims to support veterans in need by providing them with warm clothing, hygiene items, and snacks.

The event transformed the Valley Vets headquarters into a bustling supply depot. Originally aiming to compile enough resources for 50 backpacks, the community’s overwhelming generosity allowed the organization to surpass that goal significantly. Cheryl Thomas, president of the Valley Vets auxiliary, expressed gratitude for the contributions received from local residents, businesses, and churches.

Community Support Fuels Efforts

The initiative began in July when the Valley Vets, Post No. 8161 of Veterans of Foreign Wars, called for donations to aid homeless veterans. Following outreach efforts, including a letter campaign in August, items began pouring in. Contributions included thermal underwear, hand warmers, gloves, socks, winter hats, and snacks. Thomas noted, “It seemed to be quite a large project and almost impossible to achieve, but like our veterans, we didn’t quit.”

Among the notable supporters were Amazon, American Eagle, and Christ Lutheran Church, whose collective efforts made the project a success. The backpacks will be distributed by the FSB Initiative, founded by Chaz Kraynak, a veteran who experienced homelessness himself.

FSB Initiative’s Mission

The FSB Initiative focuses on locating homeless veterans and assisting them in accessing resources, including healthcare services through the local Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre. Kraynak highlighted that around 23% of the homeless population consists of veterans, many of whom face challenges such as addiction and mental health issues.

If veterans agree to seek help from the VA, they receive medical screenings and can begin treatment for issues like post-traumatic stress disorder. For veterans without such support, FSB provides essential items to improve their living conditions, although Kraynak emphasized, “We’ll make them comfortable, but not so comfortable that they say, ‘I can make it through the winter.’”

Since its inception in 2019, the FSB Initiative has successfully helped 250 veterans transition off the streets. The backpacks donated by Valley Vets are expected to last approximately two months, especially during the high-demand holiday season.

Orchard Hill, a local facility that accommodates homeless men during the winter, will host its holiday program from December 15 to 22, aiming to provide warmth and support. The camp relies on local churches and civic groups to supply meals and assist with obtaining vital documents for residents.

Kraynak’s commitment to helping all individuals, regardless of their veteran status, reflects the organization’s mission. He stated, “If you’re doing it for money, you’re not doing it for the right reasons.” The FSB Initiative operates entirely on a volunteer basis, emphasizing community involvement and support for those in need.

For those interested in supporting the FSB Initiative, donations and volunteer opportunities can be found on their website at https://fsbinc.org/.