The Lansdowne Woods and Vistas of Lansdowne contributed approximately 150 new Sweat outfits to our efforts, representing a significant 10% of the total collection that was made from throughout NVA! Further, a significant amount of the $6,000 donated came from our generous community. All of the Sweat outfits and cash donations have now been distributed to Veterans at 3 locations in VA and WVA as of yesterday.
On behalf of the Veterans (of which I am not) and AOH Coordinator/Navy Veteran Dan Gillespie, I extend their sincere appreciation for your support and numerous “random acts of kindness” with this annual project, now into its 19th year.
Slainte’
Jay McCarthy
Vista Neighbor
AOH VA PSP and S4V volunteer
Just some of the 2,000+ “Thank you for your Service” cards made by the students at several Catholic schools in NVA as well as by members of the local communities. Every Veteran this year received a couple of reminders that they have not been forgotten.
Saturday morning at the VFW Hall in Leesburg – moving day – 20 volunteers show up early to take 550+ Sweat outfits out to Martinsburg VA for distribution to the Veterans. Earlier this week, an additional 500 Sweat outfits were sent downstate to 2 VA Hospitals in the Richmond area along with socks and 100’s of Thank you cards.
Set up at the Martinsburg VA for distribution to the Vets. 25+ Veterans had already formed a line to receive their outfits even before our arrival. Jay McCarthy (AOH VA Past State President), Ray Delpesche (VFW 1177 – Leesburg – Commander) and Howard McCullers (K of C Past District Deputy) taking a breather following set up!
Sweats finally organized for distribution. Invaluable assistance from the VFW! Privileged to have the 4th Degree from John Paul 11 Assembly (Potomac Falls) lead our presentation with the Pledge of Allegiance as well as to visibly show our utmost respect for our Veterans.
Terry Stotler (Facilities Coordinator – he wears a lot of hats at the VA) thanking the 50+ volunteers who came out to make this event a success; Jay McCarthy presenting $6,000 to Ken Allensworth (Martinsburg VA Director) for use by the Veterans to encourage field trips and get some fresh air! Some of the key players from NVA and WVA who assist in making this annual event a success. Over 1,500 new Sweat outfits were collected, wrapped and distributed this year – support came from numerous generous sources!
A cart is prepared for delivery to patients on one of the floors. Some of our younger volunteers providing Thank you cards to the Veterans as they left the distribution area. A lot of hugs and handshakes…..great memories! A lot of Sweats awaiting a new owner….
Jay with a very grateful Veteran who made it a point to thank everyone who donated to make his life better…definitely one of the highlights of my day! 4th Degree Brother Knights Ray and Joel taking care of the needs of a couple of KofC Vets back in NVA; The McCullers, Brother Len Grus (KofC FDD) and Hibernian Brother Gerard Oswald (Cunningham Division President) lending a hand! Ray, Terry and Jay for a wrap up shot!
Future Knight of Columbus who did a great job in Thanking the Veterans with a card, a smile and a perfect handshake!
