Christy Lucas spent 17 years as an educator before leaving her career to serve veterans in her community in Hanover, Pennsylvania. She said she felt a calling to devote herself to those who have served the country — so she launched her charity, Roots for Boots.
Roots for Boots hosts a monthly food drive at the Hanover VFW, which initially served just eight veterans in need. Now, there are almost 90 veterans and it takes dozens of volunteers, many of whom are veterans themselves, to pull off the operation.
Lucas says, “It’s more than just a food bank, It’s something that restores hope.”
Veteran Vic Roe said Lucas is an “angel” and “more than remarkable.” Roe served in the Maryland Army National Guard in Desert Storm and has a prosthesis on his left leg.
Lucas built a ramp for Roe to get around more easily.
Jeremy Jacoby, a veteran with disabilities, also received a life-changing track wheelchair from Lucas, which allows him to play outside with his young son.
Veteran Michael Conrad said Roots for Boots not only built his family a brand new outdoor deck, but also connected him with a community of veterans.
Lucas said Roots for Boots changed how the entire community has dealt with veterans. “They are not as lonely or ignored as they used to be,” she said.
She added — “I don’t make a dime doing this. But I am by far the richest woman in the world.”