It is that time of year once again…. Christmas time.  The American Legion Auxiliary is once again asking for your support in making a veteran’s Christmas a little more cheery.  The Santa Fund is in need of donations.  Each and every hospitalized veterans receives a gift.   These gifts cost is $5.00 per patient.  The American Legion provides $3.00 of this cost.  The American Legion Auxiliary contributes $2.00.  Along with this small token, a poinsettia is also given.

In this economic situation, the fund is in need of monetary donations.  The Santa Fund and the many veterans that benefit are asking for Units to respond in kind.  Please check your budgets, any amount – no matter how big or small, will be very much appreciated.  The Unit’s Poppy Funds may be used for this cause.

The Holiday Hospital Tour has been set.  The dates will go from December 3rd until December 9th, 2010.  Our Department President Bev and VA&R Chairman BJ are urging, if you have free time to please join them in this Christmas celebration of thanks.  It is a splendid and enjoyable time to not only offer the small gift but also to say “Thank you for serving our country.”  Receiving is done on both sides, veterans and visitor.  Many stories are shared and history learned.  It is a time to stop all the hustle and bustle of the season and to give something back to our soildiers and sailors who gave so much for us.  It is a time to say “thank you and you were not forgotten” during this special season.  The veterans may obtain a present but the visitors receive so much more by hearing the gratitude in the veteran’s words.

The Santa Form can be viewed/printed here.

The Christmas Hospital Tour may be printed here.

Friday	December 2, 2011
	Southwest State Veterans Home	12:00 pm
	Highland Drive VAMC	2:30 pm
	Oakland VAMC	6:00 pm
Saturday	December 5, 2011
	H.J. Heinz III Progressive Care Center	9:00 am
	Butler VAMC	12:30 pm
Sunday	December 4, 2011
	Pennsylvania Soldiers & Sailors Home	10:00 am
	Erie VAMC	1:00 pm
Monday	December 5, 2011
	Hollidaysburg State Veterans Home	10:00 am
	Altoona VAMC	2:00  pm
Tuesday	December 6, 2011
	Wilkes-Barre VAMC	8:00 am
	Gino J. Merli State Veterans Home	10:00 am
	Lebanon VAMC	2:30 pm
Wednesday	December 7, 2011
	Philadelphia VAMC	10:30 am
	Delaware Valley Veterans Home	3:30 pm
Thursday	December 8, 2011
	Southeast State Veterans Home	10:00 am
	Coatsville VAMC	1:30 pm