DICKSON CITY, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local, non-profit veterans group is armed with more funding, Tuesday night, thanks to a significant donation. The funds were hand-delivered by arguably the greatest linebacker in Penn State Football history.

From 1997 to 1999, LaVar Arrington struck fear in the hearts of opposing offenses. He went onto a seven-year NFL career. But now instead of tackling opponents, he’s helping prop up military veterans.

In front of a crowd at the non-profit veterans’ promise, Arrington delivered a sizable gift.

“We would like to donate to veterans promise a $50,000 check,” Penn State Football legend, Lavar Arrington said.

The huge check comes from Pennsylvania Skill, an organization that puts skill games into American legions, other veterans clubs, and small businesses. Presenting the check to benefit Northeastern Pennsylvania vets holds special meaning for Arrington.

“These men and women represent, they represent who I am,” Arrington said.

Arrington is the son of Michael Arrington, a Vietnam War Veteran who lost a leg and both feet in combat. But for some vets, the scars aren’t always seen. 17 Veterans take their own lives in the u.S. Each day. Veterans promise to offer refuge.

“Our service members can congregate and come together and talk and unload some of that weight,” said Arrington.

For a man known for his gridiron toughness, helping vets is emotional.

The donation keeps Veterans’ Promise and its mission of advocacy, education, and awareness on track.

“We don’t just help you with what we can do, we help you with what’s in the community so that you come out of here way better than you were before,” said Dave Ragan, Founder, President, Veterans Promise.

And now in a better position to do that thanks to one big check hand delivered by a former warrior on the football field to help warriors who left the battlefield.

Pennsylvania Skill regularly contributes to veteran organizations and other causes. Last year alone, the group handed out $1M in donations to veterans, first responders, and other community-minded organizations.

This story originally appeared 05/24/2022 on PA homepage.