Betty Johnson and Geraldine Cummings takes a break from wrapping gifts to take a picture with Dept. President Angela Kilcrease.
Boy, I just love Christmas Gift Shop! I had the pleasure of representing the Department at the Biloxi VA Hospital Gift Shop on Nov. 29 and 30. The ladies of Unit 119 Gulfport, led by VA Dep. Gratia Dresbeck, always does an excellent job in gathering gifts all year and helping the Biloxi VA Rep Jo Tisbury, Unit 1992, Gautier-Vancleave, in getting things organized and costs covered. Members of Unit 1992 Gautier-Vancleave, Unit 160 Pascagoula, Waveland Unit 77, Moss Point 243, Lakeshore 152, and Unit 139 Bay St. Louis also contribute greatly to this program’s success. (Hope I haven’t forgotten anyone.) We also have units all over the state who send goods or money for postage–the most costly item of the lot!
Me and Gratia Dresbeck of Unit 119 Gulfport who works so hard each year to make Gift Shop a great success.
For the last two years, I have manned the typewriter with my buddy Shelby Byrd, typing mailing labels for the packages. We have other members who help the veterans shop for their families (at no cost to them), wrap the presents, and box them up for mailing. Their deligience is a tribute to many Auxiliary members that make this service available for our hospitalized veterans.
The Biloxi VA is undergoing a major facelift and expansion…including the building we use for the project. They do a beautiful job in decorating the stage area–putting us all in the Christmas spirit. We thank the staff that works with us and sees to our every need. We salute you all!
If you can volunteer to help with this project next year, please do so. We need more hands and hearts to serve our veterans. Thanks again to everyone who participated in the Christmas Gift Shop 2009!
