(Front L-R) Marilyn Susie Rogers, Shirley Ball and Dot Sandy;
(Back L-R) Paula Shuman, Mary Stewart, Meg Ashby, Lorraine
Bailey, Lillie Robinson, Cindi Crowe and Ruth Mooney
Dorothy Taylor Sandy from Bridgeport was the guest speaker at the October meeting of the Elk River Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution Sunday, the 19th in the Gassaway Public Library.
Dot is Regent of Daniel Davisson Chapter, NSDAR, but she also serves the State Society with Veterans Affairs Volunteer Services of the Louis A. Johnson Veterans Hospital. As a VAVS representative, she attends quarterly meetings of the board at the VA Hospital in Clarksburg, as well as volunteering there on a weekly basis. Dot described the needs of the veteran patients and shared how our chapter can help. She shared that our small chapter has donated items valued at over $800.00 in the last year.
Veteran patients have always been a priority project for Elk River Chapter over the chapter's 42 year history. Throughout the year donations are sent to the VA Hospital in Clarksburg, but especially at the Christmas season. Mrs. Sandy explained that the hospital would like to do gifting a little different. To be sure all patients received the same things, the administration asks that groups who normally send gifts, to choose from items on their wish list and provide one hundred of that one item.
The VA Hospital has asked the WV DAR chapters to provide 100 pairs of diabetic socks. Elk River Chapter quickly agreed to join with other chapters to reach that goal. Once we raise the funds to purchase our share, then we can always add other new items, such as tee shirts, personal care items, etc., to our Christmas gift for patients in the hospital. Elk River Chapter is selling used books and canned butters to help raise money. Any donations from the public may be mailed to our Veterans Committee Chairman. Call 304 765-7478 for more information.
Homeless veterans have become a growing concern and the VA Hospital has a program to help this serious problem. DAR chapters and other groups can help with the "Homeless Veterans Program" by donating new clothing or by assembling a basket for a vet who has been given a residence. The basket can be filled with items for a specific room such as a kitchen, bathroom or even a food basket.
Volunteering at the facility is always welcomed and our youth, as young as fourteen, may participate. Volunteers can visit, read, do puzzles, assist out-patients with the kiosk computer screen sign-in and many other approved activities. There are two staff people in charge of Volunteer Services who can find the right fit for volunteers and patients.
In February, the Valentine's Day project, "Love a Vet" or "Salute a Vet" will take place at the satellite clinics, such as the one at the Flatwoods Outlet Mall. A week to show veterans they are appreciated and not forgotten. Elk River Chapter plans to help in this endeavor. Activities for this program will be held at the VA Hospital, as well.
Other projects are forthcoming, such as Caregiver respite and "No Vet Dies Alone" programs. Mrs. Sandy reminded the chapter members not to forget the women veterans at the VA hospital. There has been an increase in the number of women veterans at the hospital's Women's Clinic. Elk River Chapter hopes to do something special for them in February.
The meeting concluded with refreshments provided by Marilyn Rogers and Meg Ashby. For further information about the DAR, go to the website www.DAR.org or call 304.765.7478.
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