Through the efforts of Vietnam Veteran Blaine Holden and the support of Lehigh Valley Beekeepers Association, a new program was introduced in 2015 encouraging association members to donate pound containers of honey from own their hives to be sold as a fundraiser by the local Gold Star Mothers chapter to assist with their outreach to needy veterans in our area.

During the Pennsylvania Farm Show, the Lehigh Valley Beekeepers Association sold honey from the club’s owned and operated hives at Lehigh Carbon Community College, using the proceeds to match the donations from their own members.

At a recent meeting, Holden presented a check for $500 from the Lehigh Valley Beekeepers Association to Gold Star Mother Sarah Wargo, whose son Michael died in 2013 after serving a tour of duty in Bagram, Afghanistan.

A special “Honey for Heroes” label, including the photos of local heroes who have died in military action since the terror attack in New York in 2001, is attached to each donated container. Local “Honey for Heroes” containers are known to have been shipped all over the country, including to the national president of Gold Star Mothers.

Surrounding county beekeeper associations have started similar programs in their areas.