Charity Profile: Veterans of Foreign Wars Chapter 4553

Non-Profit Profile: Veterans of Foreign Wars Chapter 4553

Whether it’s helping a veteran pay his taxes or electric bill, or throwing a holiday party for kids in their neighborhood, volunteers of the Veteran of Foreign Wars  (VFW) chapter in southwest Detroit are on a mission to help their community.

Unfortunately, their mission can’t be achieved without more help. On Thursday, they received some courtesy of the Vision Lanes poker room in Westland, where a portion of the funds collected during the evening’s $20 tournament and cash game action went to the charity.

This is the first year the chapter has been involved in the charity poker circuit, and while their involvement has yet to yield lucrative paydays, volunteer Russell Holder said members are optimistic that day will soon arrive. “It’s pretty good, but it has potential to be a lot better. We’ve been hearing from other charities that have made thousands of dollars. We haven’t been able to raise that much, but any time you have a source of income other than running fundraisers, it’s a plus.” 

While money is a major hurdle obstacle for the VFW, it also needs support in the form of volunteers. There are only 10 volunteers left in their post, which volunteer Rick Suchan said isn’t enough. “We’ve been open since the 1940s,” Suchan said. “We need volunteers (in order to) continue keeping our doors open.”             

VFW currently has 1.6 million members, making it the largest American organization of combat veterans. All members are either serving in the US military or have an honorable discharge from the US Armed Forces. According to its Web site, VFW and Auxiliaries donate more than 13 million volunteer hours of community service every year. Additionally, members mentor youth groups, visit hospitalized veterans, and volunteer at food banks and blood drives.