A small private Facebook group that raises money to support our troops is in the midst of its biggest fundraiser of the year.

Team Spoonman will host its third annual Duck Race on Saturday, said Jason Kistler, who operates the nonprofit Facebook group. Ducks cost $10.

“We raise money through a variety of ways and use 100% of the funds raised to support, honor, and thank our service members, both past and present,” Kistler said.

Kistler, of Palmerton, explained that the idea for the duck race originated several years back as a means to raise money for veterans.

“We need about $2,500 a year to take care of our Service Member of the Month and Veteran of the Month (initiatives),” Kistler said. “We give care packages to active duty service members, and previous service members.”

Kistler said the way it works is someone in the group nominates them. From there, they send out care packages that contain a T-shirt, sweatshirt, thermal cup (insulated tumbler) and a jar of honey from Wild Creek Bee Farm. Beth Masiado takes old flags, cuts stars out, and puts them in a little envelope, and Ruth Leland makes guardian angels.

He said that in 2022, they sold 288 ducks, paid out $1,440, and used the other $1,440 toward the initiative.

Last year, Kistler said they sold 736 ducks, which is when they decided to get involved with Valor Clinic.

He said the group also assists with Wreaths Across America, and added his goal is to buy 100 wreaths.

“This year I will absolutely hit my goal,” Kistler said. “At the end of the day, every penny that comes in goes out.”

Three years ago, Kistler said he bought 10 wreaths, two years ago 30, and last year between 60-70.

Kistler, who has lived in the borough his entire life except for when he was away in the U.S. Army, said his Facebook group has a little over 2,800 members.

He said anyone who would like to participate to support their cause should check them out, or even if they don’t want to join the group, to not hesitate to reach out to him.

“I enjoy it; it makes me feel good,” Kistler said. “I’m very passionate about those who paved the way and continue to fight for our freedoms, and I’ll do anything to support and honor them.”

For more information, he said to join team Spoonman Facebook group, or Facebook message him if interested in the ducks.