This holiday season, three families received life-changing gifts as they welcomed service dogs into their homes, courtesy of SD Gunner Fund, a Richmond-Hill, Ga.-based nonprofit.

On Nov. 12, Service Dog Buddy was presented in Richmond Hill to Swainsboro residents Samantha Rivenburg and her 3-year-old son, Adam, who has autism. Buddy will assist Adam.

The following week, SD Gunner Fund coordinators made their way to the Northeast, where U.S. Navy Veteran Dave Jones from Kunkletown, Pa., was united with Service Dog Olivia on Nov. 19 in the Pocono Mountains. The expertly trained canine, sponsored in part by The Valor Clinic Foundation, will assist Jones as he contends with PTSD-related issues.

Chip, a service dog in training, also was presented to 10-year-old Dallen Coleman, a Pooler resident, as an autism and seizure response SD. SDiT Chip is sponsored by Chatterbox Pediatric and the Richmond Hill Rotary Club.

SD Gunner Fund was started in 2014 by Britnee Kinard, who began caring full-time for her husband, retired U.S. Army Sgt. Hamilton Kinard, as he faced PTSD and recovered from physical wounds sustained during an explosion in Iraq. Britnee Kinard grew frustrated with a system that failed to meet the needs of her husband, a Purple Heart recipient and father to two boys, one of whom has autism spectrum disorder.

As she navigated the overwhelming process of obtaining the aid her husband is entitled to, Kinard developed a reputation as an advocate for those who face the seemingly insurmountable challenge of collecting certain benefits. As the requests for help grew in frequency, Kinard sprang into action. After working for 18 months to get Hamilton Kinard’s service dog, Gunner – for whom the nonprofit agency is named – Britnee began her quest to help other veterans and children in need.

The U.S. Military Veterans Motorcycle Club, Surrency Chapter, supports Kinard’s organization, and members attended the presentations of service dogs Buddy and Chip. In addition to receiving their dogs, Adam and Dallen were also given their own motorcycle jackets complete with SD Gunner Fund patches, courtesy of the motorcycle club.

“A few years ago, we never could have dreamed the SD Gunner Fund would have such an impact on so many people – not only here in our community, but also across the United States,” Britnee Kinard said. “Each time we have the opportunity to present another child or family with a service dog, I am overwhelmed with happiness seeing how the dogs improve the lives of their recipients. SD Gunner Fund continues to grow each year and we are excited to see what the future holds for this organization.”