NORTH SMITHFIELD – A collaboration between a local liquor store and Yuengling Brewery led to a donation this week of $4,528 to help local veterans in need.
North Smithfield Liquor Warehouse raised the funds through customer contributions to the cause in the months of May and June. Through a partnership with the RI VFW Foundation, 100 percent of the donations raised in the state’s Lagers for Heroes program go directly to help locals who have served.
The business and its staff were acknowledged this week for the sizable donation, the most raised this year by any participating store in Rhode Island.
“This is, for us, a really big deal,” said Jim Lowe, zone manager for D.G. Yuengling & Son. “It’s a really great achievement. It’s such a worthy cause.”
Lowe noted that the fundraising program has raised $20,000 for local veterans since it was launched in 2023.
“All of the money stays here in Rhode Island,” he said. “With the economy as tough as it is – it’s everyone’s hard earned dollars. People are willing to step up and help our local veterans.”
With some 15 stores across the state participating annually, the business at Slatersville Plaza was the top fundraising store in two out of the three years. The program raised a total of $5,200 statewide last year, which was more than doubled at $11,000 in 2025.
“The staff gets really involved in it,” said store manager Joe Morry. “All of my staff was really, really pushing it. The customers are great too.”
State and local veterans gathered to present the donation and recognize those who helped raise the funds with a staff appreciation luncheon.
“We use it to help veterans in crisis and their families,” said Scott Fricke, junior vice commander for Rhode Island’s Veterans of Foreign Wars, noting the money helps veterans in need of basic life essentials. “It’s helping the veterans that find themselves in crisis.”
LeClair Kozlik Logan Bassett VFW Post 6342 Commander Farell McMillan noted the funding will support former service members across Rhode Island.
“They look at priorities and put funding where it’s needed throughout the state,” said McMillan of the RI VFW Foundation. “There’s a lot of people who come through here and North Smithfield is always very good for veterans.”
A huge thank-you to Yuengling and the staff and patrons of North Smithfield Liquor Warehouse for making this type of Veteran assistance possible. As a resident and veteran of North Smithfield, this type of collaboration between corporations and local businesses coming together to make a difference in our communities is heartwarming. It really shows that the patrons of NSLW are willing to use some of their hard-earned dollars to make the life of a veteran in need at little easier. Thank you again to Yuengling and NSLW.