Gift cards donated for Somerset veterans

SOMERSET — Last Wednesday, Pastor Cheryl Rieder and Karen Rousseau, who is the chair of the deacons, presented Somerset Veterans' Agent Heather Cheetham with an envelope full of gift cards from the Somerset Congregational Christian Church that will be given to military veterans in need in Somerset.

In the past, Cheetham said she has given the gift cards to a young family for school supplies and groceries, younger veterans who are down on their luck and for Christmas presents for veterans who are on low incomes.

The gift cards were purchased with the proceeds from a meat pie supper that was held during Memorial Day weekend at the church that is located at 1411 County St. in Somerset.

"I think that was a nice event," Rev. Rieder said. "I think we're going to continue to do that. The church loves to be able to do that."

The meat pies for the supper were purchased by the church from Hartley's Original Pork Pies of Fall River. The owner of that business is a member of the church. Hartley's Original Pork Pies of Fall River also donated the potatoes, vegetables and desserts for the supper. Rev. Rieder said the church holds the fundraiser to support the local community and veterans.

"I don't think they should need help," Rev. Rieder said. "They should be taken care of. We do it because we love our veterans. We support them. We want them to have what they need."

Cheetham said the cost of living that is more expensive than it was 10 years ago has an impact on veterans. She said she has a steady flow of veterans coming into her office who need assistance. She also reaches out to families who she hears about or knows needs assistance.

"This helps all throughout the year," Cheetham said of the gift cards donated by the church.