![[Company Logo Image]](Default_files/LegionEmblemLarge.gif)
American Legion
Post 217
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 441-2783
|
College Park, MD 20740 (301) 441-2783
|
|
|
The Joy of Caring By Ivy Christoffers
The gift of encouragement should be given each day -- Pass it out freely, and in gentle ways There’s
no need for ribbons to make it look grand -- Just the simple encouragement of a kind, helping hand. These
few words, penned by Joan Stephen, sum up the weekend of January 12 and 13 at
Washington VA Medical Center where the annual “Homeless Veteran’s "Standdown”
took place. Formally called “Winterhaven.” More than 500 of our veterans
who, for one reason or another, have found themselves homeless in the nation’s
capital, were invited in to receive free medical and health services, a trip to
the barber shop, good hot food, counseling, housing and employment seminars,
and, upon leaving the hospital, they received new clothes, coats, hats, gloves
and shoes/boots as needed. I was so proud to be a small part of this weekend
where I registered the many, many volunteers who eagerly stepped up to give of
their time to assist wherever possible. The volunteers were given beautiful
maroon shirts with a heart embroidered over the left breast and the security
details received a green shirt with the same insignia. This made it easy to know
whom to call on for what assignment. Everywhere one looked, there were smiles on
the faces of staff, volunteers and veterans alike. The hospital was glowing from
the good will and camaraderie exhibited by all in attendance. I arrived at the
hospital at 6:15 a.m. and did not leave until 5:00 p.m., and although it was a
long day, it did not seem so. I met so many wonderful people and worked with the
newest member of the National American Legion Auxiliary staff stationed in
Washington D.C., Joanna Truitt, who is a most delightful person. The Chief of
Voluntary Services, Paula Gorham, is to be commended on a very smoothly run
program. She and her staff made us all feel we were very important to the
success of this program. It is remarkable to be able to organize this many
volunteers (approx. 200) representing so many services and organizations and
remain as cool, calm and collected as she did. In the middle of the day, there
was even a VIP tour for the National Veteran Affairs Officers and military
representatives as well as the national representatives of the service
organizations. Representing College Park Post and Unit 217 were K.C.
Christoffers, Post 217 VA&R Chairman, who volunteers as a driver for the DAV,
picking up veterans for medical appointments and returning them back to their
homes after their medical needs are met, and myself as the VA&R Chairman for
Unit 217. This wasn’t all work though. At our lunch break, which was catered
and it was great food, we were entertained by the musical renditions of Wayne
Miller, who is himself a great artist, but was serving as DJ for the day. I even
got in a dance with Wayne before returning back to my duty station. Many other
ALA members were volunteering their time and talents, including Rusty Beeg of
Unit 136 in Greenbelt and Mary Griffin of Unit 243 in Hurlock. Mary is the ALA
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Chairman while Rusty is serving as
Department 2nd Vice President. On
Thursday, January 18th, Patsy Davis and I made our way back to Washington VAMC
once more for our monthly bingo party in the nursing home where the patients
enjoy a few hours playing bingo, receiving canteen books for prizes and eating
some great treats after the games, Two volunteers from Unit 275 joined us for
the evening. We all enjoy this time of fellowship with our nations defenders. Coming
up soon is the National “Salute to Hospitalized Veterans” on February 14th.
This is a great opportunity for everyone to show your love and respect to these
heroic men and women who have sacrificed so much to enable us to enjoy the many
freedoms we have. Even if all you do is to send some valentines to the hospital
to be added to their meal trays, that small gesture lets them know you care and
have not forgotten them and it may be the one thing to help brighten their day
and give them the encouragement to continue their valiant struggle to heal.
“The Gift of Encouragement Should be Given each Day--. Just the Simple
Encouragement of a Kind, Helping Hand.” |
|
If you have any questions or problems concerning this website please send mail to kcfromoc@comcast.net
|