An up-and-coming foundation in Carencro spent today at a local fire station distributing turkeys to service members in need ahead of Thanksgiving.
Racquel and Michael Edmond began the Once Was Foundation after her husband, a disabled veteran, felt the need to help other local vets.
They began by coming up with the idea for Service Saturdays. For the first Saturday, with Thanksgiving right around the corner, the couple decided to hand out turkeys to veterans in Michael's hometown of Carencro.
The Edmonds contacted Luna de Noche, Brookshire's, and Carencro Fire Chief David Mouton, who all readily agreed.
Racquel said her favorite part of events like today's is seeing the smile on a service member's face.
The organization's mission is to assist veterans in their transition from service life to civilian life, and helping veterans overcome struggles that they find difficult.
The foundation will be hosting Stocking Stuffer events in the near future. They welcome community members to stop by and help stuff a stocking for local children.
Below is a list of upcoming stocking stuffer events -
November 30, Luna de Noche (for LSU v. A&M)
December 7, La Pizzeria (for SEC Championship game)
December 14, Carencro Fire Station #13
Racquel added that she wants local veterans to know how much they are appreciated.
"Your service does not go unknown. America is a great country because of who you are and the sacrifices that you make."
