Jeanette Garcia
2016-2017 National Veterans & Family Support Ambassador
Five Ways to Brighten Lives of Veterans and Their Families in the New Year
Christmas is nine days away and many Posts and Auxiliaries host luncheons and dinners, and provide veterans and their families with clothing, blankets and food baskets throughout the holiday season. Take a moment and think about the year ahead. Some ways your Auxiliary can brighten the lives of veterans and assist them in the New Year include:
- Host a job fair at your Post or a community center. Many veterans are looking for jobs to help support their families. Ask local businesses and workforce centers to attend the job fair and talk with veterans in your area about available jobs. You may also encourage veterans and their family members to apply for open positions at the local VA medical facility.
- If you volunteer at food pantries and/or homeless shelters, ask to speak with veterans and take the time to learn what their needs are. Refer them to local resources that can offer assistance.
- At your January Auxiliary meeting, discuss collecting blankets, gloves, hats, socks and warm clothing for veterans and their family members. You may be able to donate the items to a VA medical facility, homeless shelter or directly to a family in need.
- Collect food and make and deliver baskets for veterans and their families in need. Contact your local grocery store(s) to see if they will donate any food items. Host a food drive and/or a fundraiser at your Post to help raise funds to purchase the food. The holiday season may be over in January, but hunger knows no season.
- When you speak to veterans and their families in need, remain positive, treat them with respect and smile. Kindness goes a long way in warming the heart of someone in need.
There are many ways Auxiliary members can brighten the lives of veterans and their family members in 2017. It’s important for those in need to know there are people who care about them and there are resources to ensure they have brighter days ahead. Thank you for providing room in your heart and hope for our veterans and their family members in need.
