Gov. Gianforte donates part of salary to Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry

KALISPELL – Governor Greg Gianforte stopped in Kalispell on Thursday to contribute 1 / 4 of his annual wage to the Northwest Montana Veterans Meals Pantry.

With a purpose of serving those that have served, the meals pantry helps low-income and at-risk veterans with all the things from mortgage packages to housing companies.

The $19,000 donation — a part of the governor’s 12 Days of Giving — will probably be used this vacation season and into subsequent yr. Gianforte mentioned his marketing campaign is supposed to spotlight nonprofits and encourage Montanans to become involved.

Northwest Montana Veterans Meals Pantry founder Allen W. Erickson mentioned he’s typically overwhelmed by the generosity he sees.

“Yeah, I’m pounding right here (hitting his chest). It is a privilege. And I am overwhelmed. In order that’s okay, at my age I can beat overwhelmed,” Erickson mentioned. “We have been right here for 23 years. I have been doing stand downs for twenty-four years and serving to vets and serving to vets. And that is what I love to do — is assist vets.”

Folks can donate to the Northwest Montana Veterans Meals Pantry at https://veteransfoodpantry.org/.