Hello everyone. I have posted in the past couple of weeks about the Veteran's Day Luncheon I put on in my senior building. I asked for donations. Some very generous people did donate, cash and a terrific winter coat for one vet who does not have one. This one will keep him toasty because it is a beautiful warm coat.
I am so grateful for those donations. The food is covered and I have bought some items I know they need and like.
I have not gone to the 99c store yet because I have run out of donated funds. Last year I was able to buy laundry soap, shampoo, hand soap, dish soap, razors, shaving cream, aftershave lotion, lots of little things that folks here need. I live in a subsidized building so no one here has any extra money. That includes me, unfortunately.
If it sounds like I am getting greedy, please know that some of these vets live on $600-$700.00 a month. They do not have extra money. They barely have enough money to feed themselves, pay rent and electricity. Laundry soap, even for a month or so is sometimes a luxury.
I think one of the worst things about poverty is the loss of dignity.
I want them to feel and know that people remember them, that people value them. The things you give them through your donations tells them you value them enough to take a moment to send even a few dollars to give them some necessities and maybe a small luxury like new socks. They have already earned it by serving.
In this one luncheon you can give them breathing space for those things they find too expensive to buy. You can give them things other people take for granted but are beyond the reach of the poorer vets.
Please help me do this.
This will be the 4th year of this celebration. Some of the vets have passed on, a few moved to nursing homes and so on. But each year we have new tenants who are veterans so the number of current vets remains about the same, 27 or 28. We have a smaller group of Korean War vets but most are vets from Viet Nam. I need your help to make it happen.
Recognition of Service
Veteran's Name, on behalf of a grateful nation and in recognition of the years you served your country with honor, we say "Thank You."
It is said that no one desires or loves peace more than a soldier, because he or she must bear the burden of war. In this time of hopeful peace for us all, we remember your service. Mindful of the passing years we say to you that we remember, and we say thank you for your service to our country.
Again, many thanks for the folks who have already donated. I appreciate it more than I can say. And thanks for folks reading this.
If there is anyone on this site that can afford to donate for this, may I make a personal plea to you - please donate. I don't mind begging for my vets here, not at all. Please, please. And thank you.
https://www.paypal.com/...
Wed Oct 29, 2014 at 2:17 PM PT: