Collecting gifts for veterans

Hill City’s senior citizens, in conjunction with the American Legion, are once again sponsoring the Christmas Gift Shop for Veterans, a very worthwhile community service.  

 

The Christmas Gift Shop is an opportunity for veterans at the VA (Veterans Affairs) Hospital and the State Veterans’ Home in Hot Springs to send gifts to members of their families at Christmas.  

 

With volunteer assistance, these articles are wrapped and distributed, or mailed, at no expense to the veteran. 

 

Some items may also be gifted to the veterans themselves who do not regularly have visitors or receive gifts. Gifts are sent to men, women and children. 

 

Clothing, books, toys, games and household goods are all good gifts, not makeup or perfume. 

 

Gift cards redeemable at national chains are accepted. Handmade items, gift wrap and greeting cards are also always appreciated. 

 

Cash donations are used for postage or to purchase additional gifts. 

 

Last year, this generous Hill City community sent 577 gifts, valued over $7,000, as well as $78 worth of wrapping supplies.

 

Please remember that many gifts must be mailed, so please do not choose heavy or bulky items, or glassware. 

 

 New gifts are being collected and price tags may remain attached to the item. (They are removed before gifts are sent).

 

Gifts may be dropped off at the Hill City Center at 227 Walnut Street, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

 

Gift items may also be left in marked boxes at Community Lutheran Church, Little White Church and St. Rose of Lima.  

 

Gifts will be collected until Monday, Oct. 17, when they will be organized for the Christmas Gift Shop. 

 

Should you have questions or need items picked up, please call Pat Forrer at 605-939-8354 or Mary Walton at the Hill City Center, 605-574-3211.