During a Volusia Today feature, Volusia County’s Veteran Services highlighted a surge in demand and several outreach efforts to help local veterans.

Scott Olsen, director of Volusia County Veteran Services, said the county’s four offices now see ‘‘over 16,000 veterans’’ a year and described a recent donation and new benefits for veterans. ‘‘We partner with the Volusia Basket Brigade,’’ Olsen said, noting the group provided 200 food boxes, each intended to feed a family of six and many including gift cards to help buy a turkey or ham. Staff said the boxes were distributed across the county’s four offices and that Deltona reported a long line and rapid distribution.

Olsen outlined the county’s Volusia Values Veterans recognition program, saying it aims to increase public recognition and provide discounts and access for veterans. ‘‘We are installing 28 veteran‑designated parking spaces across different county facilities,’’ Olsen said, adding that the county was offering free primitive camping for veterans during November and discounts on pavilion rentals at county parks. He also said the county employs ‘‘over 230’’ veterans and planned a Veterans Appreciation Luncheon for county employees.

The segment included a live example of the office’s intake work. Staff checked state records for a client identified as Victoria, found no prior state record because she was new to Florida, created a profile and enrolled her in VA health care. Olsen provided follow‑up contact information, including the veteran services phone line at (386) 740‑5102 and the county’s veteran services webpage, www.volusia.org/veterans.

Barry Smith, a client who said he had relocated to Florida, credited the county advocates with helping him access treatment. ‘‘He was the first one that I met when I came here and he just greeted me with open arms. He did his magic,’’ Smith said.

Hosts and staff also prepared gift bags and centerpieces for the county’s first Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, which they said would include pamphlets, brochures, thank‑you cards and pins for about 117 attendees.

The segment closed with a reminder that veterans can visit any veteran services office Monday through Friday or contact the county by phone or online to learn about benefits and services.