‘Operation Big Squeeze’ aids Decatur County VFW

DECATUR COUNTY, Tenn. — Lemonade was the drink of choice Friday across Decatur County, all a part of “Operation Big Squeeze.”

For the second year in a row, local businesses did their best turning lemons into lemonade to support the local VFW.

“I’ve seen several people get a cup of lemonade and a brownie and put $10 in the jar, so that’s pretty good,” Decatur County Sheriff Keith Byrd said.

Businesses doing their part to help said the event helps bring more meaning to the holiday weekend.

“I think this is one way of educating our youth and using the youth throughout the county and educating them in what the vets have done in the past to protect our future,” said Tom Leitch, whose car dealership participated in the fundraiser for the second straight year.

The 30 businesses competing Friday were all fighting for a chance to bring home the “Lemon Bowl” trophy, but they said the most important thing is bringing the county together for a chance to support local veterans.

“It unites the businesses and kind of makes us go together and joins us at least once a year,” CB&S Bank’s Lori Perry said. “In this cause, we know exactly where it’s being spent and where it’s being used.”

Organizers said they nearly doubled their participation in “Operation Big Squeeze” this year and are hoping to do the same to the amount they’re able to donate.