CLEARFIELD- When it comes to caring for those who have served, Vanessa Turner’s heart is as big as Clearfield itself. The lifelong resident has made it her mission to help local veterans, spreading kindness and support to the men and women who once wore the uniform.
Her current mission: to raise enough money to purchase a ride share vehicle for the county’s disabled and handicapped Veterans by helping the Veteran’s Affairs Office.
It all began when she started attending local VA meetings with her father, Brion Pritts, who is a retired and disabled, Marine Veteran. It was at one of the meetings that she learned that our Veterans in Clearfield County do not have a handicap-accessible vehicle to transport them to and from care appointments. She explained that there are two individuals who volunteer for a ride share program, but the days and times are limited.
“Knowing the hardship my own father has to go through just to get to his VA appointments- some as far as Pittsburgh- I knew right then and there that I needed to help. That is when my long-time friend, Sue Diehl came into the picture,” said Turner.
In 2024, Diehl, the Clearfield Revitalization Corporation executive director, went to Turner asking for help in finding an organizer to take over the Fall Festival Car Show.
“Sue knew of my love for classic cars and thought that I would be a perfect fit.”
Turner decided to take over the event and turned it into a “car cruise-in” where the proceeds went to benefit Animal’s Matter of Clearfield County. The cruise-in was such a success she decided to do it again in 2025, make it bigger and better and put the proceeds toward the VA’s ride share program’s vehicle.
Over the course of several months, 7-days a week, Turner went door-to-door at local businesses to speak with anyone and everyone who would listen and share the story of her mission.
She exceeded pervious years numbers going from 60 cars in 2024 to over 100 in 2025 and more than doubled her donations, raising $2,200 to donate to the Veteran’s Affairs Office.
Turner gives most of the credit to her father who she says was her “rock.” She is also grateful to Sue Diehl, her husband, Les, and numerous friends.
“They all helped me do whatever I could to get closer to reaching my goal of a new vehicle for our local Veterans.”
Turner plans to continue raising funds for the project. In addition, she will soon be teaming up with Tom Grice from Grice’s Gun Shop to hold a 5-gun raffle, and will begin selling tickets in the coming weeks. She asks for local residents to please keep their eyes open to purchase tickets to contribute to the cause.
“It will be only the day that I see a handicapped Veteran who needs a ride to the Dr., getting into a new van, that I will have some sense of peace and know my work is done. It is my passion to ensure that no hero in my community is forgotten.”
Any individual, business, or organization that would like to contribute to the goal and give back to those who have served can direct donations to: Misty Doran, at the Veteran’s Affairs office located at 212 E. Locust St. Suite 104, Clearfield, PA 16830.
**For Donations by check: Please address to Clearfield County Veteran’s Affairs, and please note “Ride Share Program Van” in memo line.
“I want to grow this into a full-fledged volunteer mission that’s bringing the community together to help our fellow servicemen.”
Editor’s Note: Vanessa extends a debt of gratitude to her 2025 sponsors and donors: Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub, Grice’s Gun Shop, Dubois Harley Davidson, Moena’s, Clearfield Electric, The Toasted Monkey, Dutch Pantry, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts of Clearfield and DuBois, NAPA, Mint Condition, B.P. Inn, Clearfield Tire, Sid’s Super Submarines, Starr Hill Winery and Vineyard, Spanky’s Courthouse Cafe, Lezzer Lumber, The Hite Co., Hovis, and Clearfield Floral Design, Family Dollar, B.J. Bove, Jane Frelin and Melinda Carpin.
