who we are

We are a nonprofit charitable organization working to assist veterans.

Based in Newburyport, Mass, the Veterans Legacy Initiative is a  501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization.

Our organization was founded by Charlene Dolan in 2012 to give World War II veterans like her father, Charles Dolan, a regular opportunity to socialize.

Today we host ten luncheons annually, The luncheons are open to any local veteran over eighty years old and one guest.

In addition to luncheons, the charity provides direct financial assistance to veterans. Recent assistance has been an emergency car payment, preventing eviction with a rent payment, providing new flag-holders for veteran graves, distributing $25 market gift cards, and numerous other efforts that have pulled veterans out of emergency situations.

ABOUT US

Kevin Hunt

Executive Director
978-462-2201
khunt@cityofnewburyport.com

Location

331 High Street
Newburyport, Ma 01950

OFFICE Hours

M-F 8:30a–4:00p
Sa Closed
Su Closed

what we do:

WE PROVIDE MONTHLY LUNCHEONS  

Luncheons are for veterans over eighty years and one guest. Luncheons take place on the third Wednesday of every month at the Hungry Traveler Restaurant in Salisbury, MA . Doors open at 11:00 a.m. and the luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. Approximately 60 veterans and their guests attend the luncheon each month. The luncheons are very popular, with some veterans traveling twenty miles. Comments like: “It’s the highlight of our month,” are common. If you are interested in attending a luncheon, please call 978 388-8136.

WE PROVIDE EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

  Because we are closely associated with the Veterans’ Offices in Newburyport and Amesbury, we regularly come into contact with needy veterans. Whenever possible, the charity provides the financial assistance to get those local veterans out of a jam. Sometimes, the assistance is as simple as a $25 gift card. Sometimes the assistance prevents homelessness by providing some or all of a rent check.

why it matters

Food is fellowship.

When veterans share a meal, they gather not just for food, but for fellowship. They come to talk, to converse, to swap stories, to seek advice, to commiserate, to reminisce.

Veterans of all types attend: Silver Star honorees, a Merchant Marine Captain who was imprisoned by the Japanese and Germans, survivors of the Battle of the Bulge,  authors, photographers: a strong and varied gathering. Local Girl Scouts provide cookies in individual baskets, sing-a-longs break out spontaneously, and trivia contests round out the activities every month. 

We are losing our older veterans at the rate of 6% per year. It is vitally important that these veterans know someone cares about their well-being and appreciates the sacrifices that many of them have made.

How you can help

Support our work. 

When you make a gift, your contribution directly supports our mission to assist veterans in financial need and provide an venue for them to socialize and be appreciated for their sacrifices. During each luncheon we pass a donation basket, which raises $100-$200. Unfortunately this does not cover the full cost of the event, which averages $1,500, and we rely on outside support to bridge the gap.

Your donation is 100% tax deductible and every penny we receive directly supports local veterans. We do not pay for advertising or solicitation, relying exclusively on word-of-mouth among the veterans and our supporters. Officers and Directors receive no compensation for their services. 

Checks can be made out to the Veterans Legacy Initiative and mailed to 331 High Street, Newburyport, MA 01950. You will receive a receipt in the mail for your taxes, and thank you in advance for your contribution.

A special thanks to The First Lieutenant Derek Hines Soldiers Assistance Fund, The Newburyport Elks, the Newburyport DAV, the Institution for Savings, the Newburyport Bank, the Exchange Club, The American Legion, the 101st Airborne - Massachusetts, the Amesbury Jets, and the Wolfe Club for their support. A special thank you to all the individual donors who have made our mission successful.