17th annual Venison for Veterans program kicks off in Johnstown

JOHNSTOWN, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The 17th annual Venison for Veterans and Senior of Fulton and Montgomery Counties is scheduled to return Thursday morning. According to organizers, the event will package and deliver venison to veterans' doorsteps from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The 2025 event is sponsored by Rep. Elise Stefanik and organized by Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks). According to Smullen, the program helps donate harvested venison to veterans and seniors in the community. Approximately 4,000 pounds of venison is expected to be donated this year.

"Thank you to our local hunters for contributing so much harvested venison to this incredible program—their generosity is greatly appreciated and contributes to the success of this program year after year," Smullen said. "Those who served our country deserve our undying respect and gratitude. Actions speak louder than words, and the Venison for Veterans program allows communities statewide to come together and give back to our courageous veterans. I am excited to once again participate in this amazing program. I encourage others to participate and help this program continue to grow!"

The hope is to expand this program to all 62 counties in New York.

Veterans and seniors are encouraged to call the Fulton County Office of Aging, 518-736-5650, or the Montgomery County Office of Aging, 518-843-2300, to add their names, address and phone number to the list.

The donations not only include venison, but also fish and other wild game that has been stored in a freezer by Don Wicksell of Kingsboro Lumber Company and Thomas R. Georgia of Tribes Hill.

The donations will be packaged at the Fulton-Montgomery Community College, 2805 NY-67 in Johnstown. Local law enforcement, Veteran organizations and the Offices for aging will also be in attendance.