CLEARFIELD – In this time of uncertainty and social distancing, thanks to COVID-19, a little kindness goes a long way.
The Clearfield American Legion John Lewis Shade Post No. 6 Auxiliary, along with the Post Riders, Sons of the American Legion and Legion members have worked together in recent years to bring a smile to some of those who gave everything for all of us.
Tamela Watro, auxiliary member, explained about a program at the Legion headed up by member Connie Pellerite: Adopt-A-Vet, which has been a project for about five years.
Watro explained that Pellerite contacts Mountain Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center as well as Knickerbocker Villa and Colonial Courtyard to get a list of veterans and what each one might want or need around Christmastime.
She only asks for initials in order to protect the privacy of the veterans, and begins around the end of October or beginning of November.
Items requested can be anything from snacks, personal items, blankets and so on.
The compiled lists are then hung in a prominent place at the Legion and members can choose a list and buy the items on it, then package it together with a card to give to each veteran.
“You name it, we get it!” Watro said.
On the third Monday of December, the auxiliary members hold their annual Christmas party, and at that time they get everything sorted and then either deliver them then, or the next day.
In past years, the gifts were delivered personally, but this past Christmas Watro said they had to leave them outside for staff to come and get.
The impact on the veterans is amazing, she said.
The Legion often gets cards and letters from the veterans or their families thanking them for remembering them at Christmastime.
Twice they’ve delivered gifts for a veteran who had passed away shortly before the delivery, and the families wrote and explained that they made sure the items were given to someone, either another vet, or distributed to other residents.
“They are just so appreciative and happy,” Watro said.
This Christmas saw the most veterans touched by the generosity with close to 40 people gifted, while in the past it has been in the low to mid-30s.
Everyone involved hopes that this year, and years to come, will continue to be successful in touching the lives of veterans in the local area.