These soldiers have each been on the front lines in our nation’s wars, now they are lining up to fight the war on poverty here at home.

Members of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 51 will donate toys, food and other items next week to the Ironton City Mission. Chapter 51 commander Stephen Saunders said members of the organization are issuing a challenge to other civic and military organizations in the area to follow suit, if they do not already donate to the mission.

“We really do have a war going on here,” Saunders said. “So many people in this area are hard up. We don’t have to go to Afghanistan or Iraq to find people who are hurting. We can look around here and see the hardship. This problem is bigger than all outdoors. It won’t get any better unless people help.”

Saunders said he is aware some organizations already support the city mission and he is glad for all the fellow soldiers in the war on local poverty. But he hopes those who do not already do so will take up the challenge and step forward to help.

In spite of its size — there are only 12 active members — the DAV has donated to the city mission every year for the last 20 years and the Rev. Jim Cremeans, who retired recently as director for the mission, said he has always appreciated the help.

“It’s a small organization, but they really do support us,” he said. “We appreciate that.”

Each year the city mission hands out food baskets and toys to needy families at Christmas-time. As of this week, 500 families have asked for help with food this year; 300 families have asked for toys for their children.

“We just want to help as much as possible,” Saunders said. “I would like to make it a record year for the city mission this year.”