A friend told Sandy Spotts that the Valor Clinic Foundation needed a volunteer to answer phones two days a week.

Always wanting to support veterans, she answered the call.

“It turned into a 40-hour a week full-time job,” the Albrightsville woman said as she promoted the program at the Carbon County Fair. “It’s my way of giving back to the veterans.”

Spott’s mission this week has been to educate people about the program, which provides shelter in the former Hotel Jonas in Polk Township for homeless veterans.

The restored building accommodates up to 13 veterans a day.

Three healthy meals are served every day to help with health challenges faced by homeless veterans.

As holiday meal coordinator, Spotts said she helps to coordinate holiday meal baskets three times a year for veterans.

The program provides fixings for the entire day, from breakfast to dinner. Last year 125 veteran families were served from Allentown to Wilkes-Barre and Bethlehem to Harrisburg. Gifts for children.

“It’s for veterans who can use a hand up, not a hand out,” Spotts said. The baskets, free to veterans, cost $90 and are funded through donations.

Valor also provides free retreats for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Veterans meet once a month for three months. The program is run several times a year. Sometimes they meet at a retreat center and sometimes in a home, depending on what’s available.

“A lot more people have PTSD than you realize,” Spotts said.

The Valor Clinic Foundation is moving forward on a dedicated retreat site in Kidder Township. The land is located just off Route 903 on Meckes Lane.

The retreat is currently in the planning stages, and various organizations are volunteering their efforts to help make the dream a reality. An architect offered renderings and plans free of charge, and other people and groups are offering their services — zoning, surveying, excavating — either free or at a reduced cost.

With just one paid staff member, Spotts said 93 percent of every dollar donated goes straight to veterans.

Spotts said donations are welcome, and volunteers are always needed for all tasks associated with running an office or household.

Call 570-664-6468 or visit www.valorclinic.org.