Casey Schwartz-Simmons had a unique way of marking her first year working at the Walmart Supercenter in Pico Rivera.

In 45 days, the Pasadena resident organized a first-ever food distribution for veterans and their families Friday, with help from Heart of Compassion food bank in Montebello and her multinational employer.

“This really comes out of a passion of mine,” Schwartz-Simmons said. Herself an Army veteran (she worked as a military police officer), Schwartz-Simmons hopes to help 200 families.

Among the helpers were about 25 volunteers, staff and managers from seven Walmart stores from Duarte to Santa Fe Springs.

November is National Veterans and Military Families Month. The event included a color guard from Point Man International Ministries. Attendees also received samples from donors such as Pepsi, Coca-Cola and Frito-Lay.

“This is more about helping people and not about what status they have,” said Schwartz-Simmons, who is a market level asset protection manager at the store. “It’s heartbreaking to find out how many don’t have a home or don’t have health care. They just need.”

Pastor Eric Tietz, founder of Hearts of Compassion Food Bank, and a veteran too, told the crowd all veterans are heroes.

“All those who offered their service to our country should never forget we love them,” he said.

U.S. Navy Seabees veteran Eduardo “Lalo” Vargas said he appreciated the help and will bring the box and bag of food home for his two daughters.

“I’m not much of a cook,” he said.

Schwartz-Simmons said her project is part of Walmart’s avowed support for veterans, from hiring 400,000 veterans and military spouses since 2013, to encouraging volunteerism and entrepreneurship among their ranks. She has organized similar veterans events at Walmarts in Illinois and Utah.

“I’ve found a home where I can do something I’m passionate about,” she said.