5-23-2026 4:20am

Zuber Realty Announces Annual Food Drive for Veterans Making a Difference

Lesley Misko Editor

by Jane Stahl

For the 7th year, beginning June 1, 2026, the Richard A. Zuber Realty organization will begin its month-long annual food drive assisting the non-profit organization Veterans Making a Difference to supplement food scarcity experienced by Berks County veterans.

Donations can be dropped off at Zuber Realty’s corporate office, 201 E Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown, throughout the month of June. Several special opportunities are planned. Donors are welcome to drop off donations on June 6, 2026, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Zuber Realty office during Berks-Mont Business Association’s (BMBA) annual Philadelphia Avenue Street Fair.

Then, on Saturday, June 20 2026, at Boyertown’s Redner’s Market, agents will encourage shoppers to “Stuff the Bus” with their donations. “Stuffing the Zuber bus has been an inspiring effort during June each season,” explains Rich Zuber, owner. “We’ve enjoyed great success over the years during this campaign for veterans; it’s so gratifying that our community responds so generously every year.”

In 2025, agent Vanessa Deskie who coordinates the Veterans Food Drive is joined by agent Lee Heffner and Associate broker Connie Dolansky to "Stuff the Zuber Bus" for veterans at Redner's Market, Boyertown, on Saturday, june 20, 2026.

Vanessa Deskie, Zuber Realty’s real estate advisor, coordinates the project each year to honor her own family’s multi-generational military service that dates back to the Civil War.

During the 2025 “Stuff the Zuber Bus” campaign held at Redner’s Market, agent Betsy Bellantoni expressed her surprise and gratitude noting that, beginning at 11 a.m., as the bus was arriving, people came purposely with boxes of food and cash donations. Suggested donations include non-perishable food and toiletry items.

Contributions continued until 2 p.m. with shoppers adding cash, checks, and gift cards to the mounds of non-perishables, making the 2025 food drive the most successful to date. “We were busy the entire time,” Bellantoni exclaimed, “and amazed at the outpouring of community spirit.”

Betsy Bellantoni accepts donations during the 2025 "Stuff the Bus" veterans food drive.

Later in the month, Richard A. Zuber Realty will wrap up its month-long annual food drive for veterans by delivering donations to the non-profit organization Veterans Making a Difference headquarters at the Veteran Social Center in Reading. The organization is dedicated to helping veterans in need in Berks County.

Delivering the donations to Veterans Making a Difference is always gratifying. At left, Rich Zuber and at right Lee Heffner represent the Zuber Realty agency during delivery in 2025. .

The annual veterans food drive is just one of the community efforts the Zuber Realty organization mounts as part of its community outreach program. “We Work for YOU!” stands as the company’s motto. Recently, for Mother’s Day, agents handed out flowers during the May 8, 2026 Wine Walk sponsored by BMBA and throughout Friday and Saturday to celebrate mothers.

During the recent weekend before Mothers' Day, agent Adam Hubley hands out flowers to mothers in celebration of their special day.

During BMBA's June 6, 2026, Philadelphia Avenue Street Fair, agents will be on hand at the Zuber Realty booth to greet members of the community and offer T-shirts promoting the agency—their annual gift to the community’s wardrobe.