Donations sought for vets Christmas shop

By: 
Leslie Silverman
The Hill City Senior Citizens, in conjunction with the American Legion, are once again sponsoring the Christmas Gift Shop for Veterans.  
The Christmas Gift Shop is an opportunity for veterans in the VA Hospital and the State Veterans’ Home in Hot Springs to send gifts to members of their families at Christmas.
New articles are collected and are taken to the veteran facilities in Hot Springs. Gift shops are set up there and residents of both facilities individually choose gifts for their families and loved ones. With volunteer assistance, these articles are wrapped and distributed or mailed at no expense to the veteran. Some items may also be gifted to the veterans themselves who do not regularly have visitors or receive gifts.
Gifts are sent to men, women and children. Clothing, books, toys, games and household goods are all good gifts. Please do not send makeup or perfume. Gift cards redeemable at national chains are accepted and make excellent gifts that are easy to mail.  
This year, gift cards are an excellent choice. Handmade items are always appreciated. Gift wrap is also always appreciated. Donations of cash may be sent and are used for postage or to purchase additional gifts. Last year the community sent over 324 gifts valued at over $4,300, as well as $130 worth of wrapping supplies.
Most gifts must be mailed, so please do not choose heavy, bulky or glass items. Articles should be new, but not too expensive. They should be something you would give as a gift or like to receive. Since the value of gifts must be listed, please leave price tags attached. They are removed before gifts are sent to Hot Springs.
Since the senior center is closed for construction, the main drop-off location is the Edward Jones office at Old World Plaza. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. Should the office be closed at noon, packages may be left at the door.
Gift items may be left in specially marked boxes beginning next week at Community Lutheran Church, Little White Church and St. Rose of Lima.  Gifts will be collected until Oct. 18, when they will be organized to reach Hot Springs in time for the Christmas Gift Shop. 
For more information or to have items picked up call Pat Forrer at 605-939-8354 or Mary Walton at Edward Jones 605-574-8013.
 

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