When it comes to national defense, the 10th Mountain Division plays a critical role. But Fort Drum’s soldiers also play a role when community issues arise at home.

The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade and Lowville American Legion recently conducted a food drive. On Monday, they delivered much-needed donations to the Lowville Food Pantry just in time for Thanksgiving.

“This has got to be at least two tons worth,” Fort Drum Staff Sgt. Marques LeMane said while sorting through a pallet of food items. “It feels good to be giving back to people who need it. But this much food, it is very, it feels really good."

Four pallets, 1,000 pounds each, made their way Monday from Fort Drum to the Lowville Food Pantry.

“I am speechless about how much came in for the trucks. I've never seen this much food come in at one time,” Lowville Food Pantry Vice President Nancy Hanno said.

Hanno has seen up close just how tough this year has been.

“At one point, we were even short on soups and had to go out to the community to get soups. And now look,” Hanno said, sorting the donations.

Soups, fruits, vegetables and more arrived, stocking the pantry's shelves in time for Thursday.

“We have gone up, oh, well over 100 families in the last month or so," Hanno said. "Grocery prices are really high, and we're the savior.”

The donations could not have come at a better time.

“Yes, this is awesome, supporting the community. I feel amazing about this,” Specialist Arthur Castillo said.

As Hanno continued to sort through it, she began to wonder how she could ever thank those who contributed.

“I’ll hug them,” she said. “And I’ll say thank you. But it's just amazing.”

While the two tons of food donated Monday will be handed out before Thanksgiving, there will be plenty left over to last through the holidays and into next year.

Fort Drum soldiers kicked off the delivery by marching nearly five miles along with the truck full of food.