AMVETS set to bring Christmas joy to families
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A small group of Marietta AMVETS already know where they're going Christmas Day. They're getting on the joy train. They're planning on waking up that morning, along with a dozen veterans' families, and having the same kind of happy family Christmas time everyone is looking forward to.
"It's about the families, all about the families," says Commander Gene Venham of AMVETS Marietta Post 1788. The post is in its second year of boosting holiday spirits and resources where needed among a selection of veterans with families and kids.
Last year was the post's first effort at the family outreach and they helped two families. This year, it's 12 families and 1st Vice President Brad Webb says it's all because of the tremendous support from sponsors. Those include their own post and several other veterans groups in the area. The VFW Ronnie W. Davis Memorial Post 5108 of Marietta has donated its bingo proceeds, and wants residents to know that's what they are doing with the money.
Monetary donations also came from Russell Chadwick Post 389 American Legion in Beverly and from Russell Chadwick Post 389 American Legion Riders. Food to round out supplies purchased by the AMVETS was provided by Russell Chadwick Post 389 Auxiliary.
Mark Warden purchased 12 hams, one for each family, plus a supply of dog and cat food. If there is pet food left, it will go directly to the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley.
There are two other major sponsors outside the veterans groups, however. Webb says Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3665 in Beverly and Marietta Elks #477 have been huge supporters all along. In fact, the AMVETS meet at the Marietta Elks building on Colegate Drive every second Tuesday of the month. "The Elks let us meet here and they help us out," Webb said. The Elks have been a key part of why the AMVETS post has grown from a membership of five up to the current 32, he said.
Various veterans' contacts have helped AMVETS focus on who needed help this year. They're all veterans, from varying branches of the military. They all have children, ranging from one child to four per family. The AMVETS have gotten the vital statistics for ages, sizes, clothing and shoes needs, plus types of toys or gifts that would be appropriate and appreciated by the youngsters.
Tuesday was distribution day from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Elks Hall for the families to pick up their items from the 12 tables, one customized for each of the 12 families. In addition to clothing and toys, the hall was filled with canned goods, hygiene and cleaning supplies and other common household items that could help.
The AMVETS bought all the toys and clothes with their sponsor donations, and then went to Aldi Tuesday morning to get whatever food was needed to supplement what wasn't donated.
"Our goal is to get the families not just through Christmas, but through January and February, if possible. Those are really tough months," Webb said.
Webb said Christmas isn't the only time of year the group can use donations to help veterans in need. Those who are interested in helping can contact Venham at 740-473-1315 or Webb at 740-236-3322.
"We'd love to talk to veterans about joining us, as well," Webb said. You can't know what kind of fellowship and laughter and support can come out of a group like this, until you try it."
Nancy Taylor can be reached at ntaylor@newsandsentinel.com