American Legion brings gifts to Maine Veterans’ Home
Post 30 volunteers who wrapped holiday presents for veterans at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta are from left, Judy and Norman Carver, Connie Sukeforth, and Geof Chapman. Absent from the photo is Jeff Sukeforth who was the photographer. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Sukeforth)
Legion “elves” wrapped the gifts that were donated by post members. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Sukeforth)
(Photo courtesy of Jeff Sukeforth)
Post 30 volunteers who wrapped holiday presents for veterans at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta are from left, Judy and Norman Carver, Connie Sukeforth, and Geof Chapman. Absent from the photo is Jeff Sukeforth who was the photographer. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Sukeforth)
Legion “elves” wrapped the gifts that were donated by post members. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Sukeforth)
(Photo courtesy of Jeff Sukeforth)
CAMDEN — In November, Jeff Sukeforth, Adjutant of the War Memorial Post 30 in Camden, happened to stop by the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta and spoke with Mona Boucher, the Activities Coordinator. He asked her what Post 30 might be able to do for the veterans and Boucher inquired if the post would be interested in purchasing holiday gifts for some of the veterans.
Boucher said that the veterans had filled out their individual Christmas wish lists with about seven items on each one. The items ranged from t-shirts, gym shorts, DVD’s, magazines, pants, shirts, as well as sundry health and comfort items, including an electric razor.
Sukeforth asked Boucher to supply the post with the lists of five veterans, which she did. He brought the lists to the post at a monthly meeting and it was unanimous that the post would support their fellow veterans.
He then put the call out for support in the monthly Post 30 newsletter. Monetary gifts and gifts purchased from the veterans’ wish lists came in from legion members. Once the list items were procured, the Post 30 “elves” met and wrapped the gifts, and even included handmade bows.
The Legion “elves” who made sure that the veterans gifts’ were done up properly were Judy and Norman Carver, Geof Chapman and Jeff and Connie Sukeforth.
All gift bags were dropped off to the Maine Veterans’ Home on December 13, along with a check for Boucher to purchase craft items for their different activities.
Sukeforth said that next year, Post 30’s goal is to be able to assist 10 veterans with their requests during Christmas.
“It’s an opportunity for us as veterans to help our fellow veterans,” said Sukeforth. “The five men we are gifting served their country without question and with great valor during some harsh times and just like everyone deserve a little Christmas cheer and Post 30 is making that happen for them,” he added.
If anyone would like to assist Post 30 in next year’s Veteran Christmas program, they can send a donation to the post. Checks should be made out to War Memorial Post 30 and sent to P.O. Box 187, Camden, ME 04843. Donors will be recognized by the Post for their generosity.
Please call Sukeforth at 236-3310 for any further information about the program.
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