SPRING GROVE, Pa. — Bob Hinkle Jr. from Spring Grove, York County knows about giving back to his community.
"I am an Iraqi war veteran," he said. "I served more than 22 years in the Army."
The Spring Grove VFW, where he is a member, is partnering with Just for Today Veterans and Recovery Services to help introduce a veterans agricultural program.
"This will give us something local to help out veterans which is our true reason for being here," Hinkle said.
The program is taking root, as the Hoke House is uprooted.
The Historic building in Spring Grove is being relocated by JFT, which also plans to renovate the space. The new location will be the home of the agricultural program.
Executive director Steve Barndt says plans to plant the building in its new spot will soon be in bloom.
"There’s a lot of things in play," Bardnt said. "The goal is to have that moved by mid-summer, that’s our goal at this point."
The project will provide garden and greenhouse spaces for veterans on the new land nearby.
Bardnt says they hope to grow the number of donations.
"Gardening and farming supplies, seeds, we need financial help," he said. "Whichever, just so we can kick this off."
So far JFT and other partners have raised more than $600,000 towards the project's goal of $1.5 million.
"Seeing it used for this purpose just means a lot to everyone," Hinkle said.
The building was originally slated for demolition before community efforts helped preserve the structure.