The Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corps League Detachment 626 distributed checks/donations to several nonprofit organizations Wednesday morning at the American Legion Post 314 in Lehighton.

Donations were given to Together with Veterans for suicide prevention ($1,200), to veterans for heating assistance ($1,200), and Valor Clinic Foundation ($1,000).

Cheryl Laub, adjutant/paymaster, Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corps League, said the donations were the result of the $4,500 that was raised during the organization’s second annual Golf Tournament at Blue Shamrock Golf Course in Palmerton.

“Our league believes we should help veteran groups in our area; that is why we hold our golf tournament - to raise funds for local veteran programs, i.e. Together with Vets and the Valor Clinic Foundation,” said Laub, who added the total given out so far was $3,400. “The remainder of the fund will be distributed during the Christmas season to Trees for Troops and Wreaths Across America designated to the cemetery in Hometown, an official participant of this program.

“We are also looking into one new organization for the remaining donation, but are still researching that.”

Mike Meining, veteran outreach coordinator, Valor Clinic, said the donation took him by “complete surprise.”

“The amount was outstanding,” Meining said. “That’s going to help Valor continue supporting the homeless and in need veterans, and this will go a long way toward that support and it’s greatly appreciated.”

Christine LeClair, director of the Carbon County Veterans Affairs Office, said the assistance is truly appreciated.

“We truly appreciate the support from local organizations, as our initial three-year seed funding from the VA has stopped and we rely on donations alone to continue to do this important work without our community,” LeClair said.

The Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corps League is a veterans organization founded to continue the traditions and spirit of all Marines who proudly wear, or have worn the eagle, globe, and anchor of the Corps.