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Local organizations become finalists in White House competition

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Two local organizations are now finalists in a national competition spotlighting groups that assist military families.

The White House has selected Hearts Apart and Carolina Canines for Veterans as two of 20 finalists in the Joining Forces Community Challenge, which recognizes individuals and organizations that do their best to reach out and serve military families.

At no cost, Hearts Apart photographs military families before a troop is deployed overseas. We featured the organization and families who participated in photo shoots. To see that story, click here. The organization also produces pocked-sized mementos that deployed men and women can take along with them to help remember his or her family members at home.

Carolina Canines for Veterans provides trained service dogs for veterans with disabilities. The program works with military prisoners, teaching them how to train rescue dogs as service dogs for wounded and injured veterans.

Carolina Canines began at Camp Lejeune and now does most of its work at the Naval Consolidated Brig in Charleston.

Both groups are headquartered in Wilmington.

The public can vote for the next 30 days by clicking here. 

The winner of the challenge and prizes will be announced Feb. 24.

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