Northwest community gives big to Arkansas Veterans

The northwest Arkansas community has been incredibly supportive this holiday season by giving to Veterans who receive their care at Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO) in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

On Dec. 11, Kelvin L. Parks, Medical Center director, accepted a donation from Walmart associates, 3B Radio, and The Source to be delivered to Veterans who are in VA’s Housing and Urban Development – Veterans Administrative Support Housing (HUD/VASH) and Homeless Program.

Donations totaling over $10,000 in gifts were given to Veterans at VHSO, the Arkansas State Veterans Home, and the Bella Vista Arkansas Veteran Village. Each bag contained items that equaled $100 value. Bags contained gift cards, hats, snacks, and more.  Coats were also donated to those in need.

“A much needed gift.”

“Our health care system is grateful for the donations and support received from the community,” said Parks. “A much needed gift to our Veterans this holiday season.”

“A much needed gift to our Veterans this holiday season.”

Gifts for inpatients and HUD/VASH Veterans

On Dec. 16, the Arkansas State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (ASDAR) donated 176 “shoebox” gifts (top photo) from eight different chapters in northwest Arkansas. The gifts contained items such as toiletries, ornaments, a holiday card, puzzles, playing cards, socks, shirts and much more.

The gifts will be distributed to inpatient Veterans and those who are in the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Administrative Support Housing (HUD/VASH) and Homeless Program.

“I’m excited to see our expansion of the ASDAR Veterans Shoebox project is expanding across the state and has energized our eight northwest chapters to give back to our Veterans this holiday season in such a big way,” said Gretchen MaGee, State Regent ASDAR.

Crystal L. Davis, MBA, is a public affairs officer at the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks.