Wendy Reinhardt
2019-2020 National Veterans & Family Support Ambassador
Six Ways to Make 2020 Bright for Veterans
Silver bells, silver bells
It’s Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, (ring-a-ling) hear them ring (ting-a-ling)
Soon it will be Christmas day.
From “Silver Bells,” composed by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans
Christmas is twelve days away and from the Facebook posts I’ve seen, many VFW Posts and Auxiliaries are hosting luncheons and dinners, breakfasts with Santa and providing veterans and their families with clothing, blankets, toys and food baskets this holiday season. Hopefully the Christmas spirit of giving will continue into the new year.
In 2020 let’s continue to brighten the lives of our veterans and their families. Some ways to do this include:
- Host a family night at the Post Home. The Auxiliary can provide dinner and plan games and/or movies for both the adults and children to enjoy.
- Host a job fair at your Post Home or a community center. Many veterans are looking for jobs to help support their family. Ask local businesses and workforce centers to attend the job fair and talk with veterans in your area about available jobs. 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, seek out veterans and take the time to learn what their needs are. Refer them to local resources that can offer assistance.
- Form a partnership with a local high school, youth group or Scout troop and co-sponsor a food drive to make baskets that can be delivered to veterans and their families in need.
- 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 center, homeless shelter or directly to a family in need.
- Seek a partnership with a local high school or Scout troop and co-sponsor a food drive to make baskets that can be delivered to veterans and their families in need.
- 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 so many ways Auxiliary members can brighten the lives of veterans and their family members in the new year. Thank you for providing room in your heart and hope for our veterans and their family members in need.
