Veterans Day is a day where we take the time to say thank you to all of those who have sacrificed for and served our beloved country. But how do you say thank you to those who have contributed so much? How do you express your gratitude to those who have protected our most cherished freedoms?
Here are six ways that you can give back and show your appreciation for everything they have done:
Make Cards & Bake Cookies
A great way to incorporate your children into giving back to Veterans is by making cards for our local hospitalized Veterans and baking cookies for their families. This is a great way to help make their stay comfortable and more enjoyable. Plus, your children will have fun creating cards and this is a great lesson in teaching them how to show their gratitude. Contact our local Dole VAMC Voluntary Service Office at 316.685.2221 ext. 53222 to get times to bring items.
Cook or Take a Veteran to Dinner
Nothing says appreciation like a great meal. Whether it is a home-cooked meal or at a fancy restaurant, this is a great way to show a veteran that you care. Pay it forward while out to eat and pay for an unsuspecting veterans meal, they appreciate this more than you think.
Monetary Donations
Don’t know a Veteran personally? There are many organizations that you can donate money to that will help. Many veterans do not have healthcare, housing/shelter or career help and most money that is donated, goes to help them in these areas. Here are just a few organizations that are affiliated with our local Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center. Many of these organizations will also let you donate in honor or in memory of someone.
Item Donations
Magazines, hygiene products, telephone cards and gently used clothing are all needed at our local Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center. This is to ensure that the patients visiting the hospital have everything they need for a comfortable stay. Donating these items is a great way to give back and is something that can be done year round. If you are willing to donate items, please contact the Dole VAMC Voluntary Service Office at 316.685.2221 ext. 53222
The DAV is a great place to donate gently used clothing for veterans! Take time out to go through your closets and give what you can that you no longer need. The winter is fast approaching so coats are also a big necessity. You can have your items picked up or you can take them to the four locations serving the Wichita area.
Remember Fallen Service Members
Never forget to take the time out to honor the Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives for our Country. This is who most Veterans take the time out to honor, they consider them the real heroes.
Say “Thank you”
A simple “Thank you for your service,” actually goes a long way! Telling them that you appreciate them is a simple and easy way to let those who are still in service and those who aren’t know that you care, that they matter and what they do means something to you.
A Note from My Veteran (my husband): When showing your gratitude, know that most Veterans don’t feel like heroes, they feel like everyday Americans fulfilling their patriotic duty.
If you are interested in finding out more ways to help, you can always visit the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office, located at 5500 E. Kellogg Wichita, KS 67218 and speak with the public contact team and ask about their outreach teams or see a Veterans Service Organization Representative to find out other ways to volunteer and give back.
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