December 26th, 2020, Leesburg, VA – AOH Volunteers from the Thomas J. Cunningham Jr. Division (Loudoun County, VA) along with volunteers from the Local Knights of Columbus Council and Assembly as well as Veterans with the Leesburg VFW, participated in the annual wrapping of approximately 500 new Sweat Outfits for delivery to the VA Hospital in Martinsburg, WVA in early January. Donations to this 14th annual event started in late Fall with the AOH collections accounting for approximately 25% of the total Sweat Outfit collection as well as for $2,000 in cash contributions. The funds are used by the residents in meet their out of pocket needs at the facility. Regrettably, due to the COVID pandemic, no direct distribution to our veterans will be permitted.
The local LAOH (Daughters of Erin Division – Loudoun County) contributed to the 25% collection effort this year as well.
A very appreciative staff accepted the 425 sweats and $4,800 in cash from the AOH/LAOH/KofC/VFW. 15th year for this project. We missed the gathering with the Veterans. Facility has not lost a single Vet to COVID! Slainte’.
2020 Total # of sweat sets (452) + Total donations $4,725.
VFW Post 1177 & Auxiliary, Leesburg, VA – 35 sets of sweats
VFW Military Order of Cootie Post 14, Leesburg, VA – $250 (forthcoming)
Our Lady of Hope Parish, Potomac Falls, VA – 76 sets of sweats
St. Theresa’s Parish, Ashburn, VA – 86 sets of sweats
St John Apostle Parish, Leesburg, VA – 85 sets of sweats
Holy Family Knights of Columbus Council #6831, Leesburg, VA – $200
Christ the Redeemer Knights of Columbus Council #16234, Sterling, VA – 14 sets of sweats
Good Samaritan Knights of Columbus Council # 6175, Herndon, VA – $300
St. Francis Parish, Purcellville, VA – 42 sets of sweats
Town of Leesburg, VA – 6 sets of sweats
Ancient Order of Hibernians Col. T. J. Cunningham, Jr. Loudoun County Division #1 – $525
Ancient Order of Hibernians Col. T. J. Cunningham, Jr. Loudoun County Division #1 – 15 sets of sweats
AOH Virginia State Board – $500
Neighborhood event at Lansdowne Woods, Leesburg, VA – 6 sets of sweats
Neighborhood event at Vistas of Lansdowne, Leesburg, VA – 45 sets of sweats
Neighborhood event at Vistas of Lansdowne, Leesburg, VA – $750
St. Elizabeth Bayley Seton Assembly, Sterling, VA – $200
Pope John Paul II Assembly, Sterling, VA – $2,000
Funkstown Animal Medical Veterinary Clinic, Funkstown, MD – 16 sets of sweats
Leetown United Methodist Church, Kearneysville, WV – 26 sets of sweats
Respectively Submitted January 22, 2021
Timothy Melia
2020 Program Coordinator
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