A new nonprofit organization now has nearly $16,000 to help Butler County veterans.

The Butler American Legion on Wednesday donated $10,000 to the Veterans in Need Fund, which provides financial assistance to those who served our country.

Jim Dittmer, commander of Post 117, presented the check to John Cyprian, director of county veterans services, at the county commissioners meeting Wednesday.

Dittmer said the Veterans in Need Fund would provide immediate assistance.

“It's short on red tape,” Dittmer said. “If they need help, it's there.”

Dittmer said the nonprofit organization is a “godsend” for the county.

“This is not we'll get back to you in six months,” he said. “This is immediate help.”

Cyprian, chairman of the nonprofit group's board, said in an interview the fund would pay for such expenses as utilities and car repairs.

He said the Veterans in Need Fund provides a quicker, less restrictive venue for veterans needing assistance.

“We could be a lot more flexible,” Cyprian said.

He said the board, which is comprised of volunteers, would evaluate every request to validate the need.

Cyprian credited Damian Hambley, commander for Slippery Rock VFW Post 6321, for spurring the idea.

The $10,000 check adds to the $5,818 in previous donations to the fund.

Cyprian stressed all money collected would go to veterans needing help.

Dittmer said during the meeting there is more to come from the fund.

“This is the beginning stages,” he said.

Cyprian said any donations are tax write-offs.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the fund should contact Cyprian at the county veterans services office at 724-284-5352.