“Giving Tree” at Providence VA provides gifts for Veterans’ families

VA Employees Help Brighten the Holidays for Veterans’ Families

The Providence VA Medical Center distributed an estimated $60,000 worth of toys, bikes and games provided by VA employees, volunteers, Veterans and other donors to Veteran families in need during the week of Dec. 14.

“What better way to serve Veterans than helping to bring them the joy of happy children during the holidays?” asked Donna Russillo, chief of Voluntary Service at Providence VAMC, who coordinated the toy drive.

The “Giving Tree” was placed in the medical center’s 5th floor elevator lobby. Decorated with paper ornaments identifying the ages, genders, sizes and wish-lists of the children of Veterans, VA staff members could choose a family to sponsor, either individually or as part of a group. The sponsor then contacted the referring social worker listed on the ornament and arranged to provide the unwrapped gifts.

A private donor, wishing to be identified only as “Sailor Clause,” collected toys, bikes and games from drop-boxes at organizations across Fall River, New Bedford and the surrounding area. They were donated in memory of Jeanine Arseneault of New Bedford who passed away Nov. 6.

The Dirty River Group, a Fall River motorcycle club, helped collect and deliver the items, which were brought to the Providence VAMC warehouse where social workers and VA staff selected gifts for the Veteran families with whom they work.

“The Giving Tree is one of those things that helps make the Providence VA Medical Center a special place for both Veterans and employees,” said Dr. Susan MacKenzie, director of the Providence VAMC. “It’s an honor to help brighten the holidays for Veteran families who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation.”

By Winfield S. Danielson III
Public Affairs Officer
Providence VA Medical Center