Bath VA holds annual gift shop
THE LEADER STAFF

PHOTO PROVIDED Bath VA Medical Center Director David J. West joins Addie Butler and the American Legion family from the 6th and part of the 7th districts of New York participating in the annual American Legion Auxiliary gift shop event that was held Dec. 3 at the Bath VA Medical Center.

BATH - Members of the American Legion family, including the Auxiliary, Legion and Sons of the American Legion from the Sixth and part of the Seven the Districts of New York, helped veterans at the center with shopping and wrapping of holiday gifts. In addition, the United States Post Office set up a temporary station to ensure sending the packages and CoOp Feed of Elmira utilized their semi-trucks and drivers to assist in the delivery of the gifts to the Bath VA.

Dozens of members of the Legion family, including many from Broome County, spent the weekend participating in this annual activity.

Approximately $10,000 a year is donated by the Legion toward the purchase of gifts for veterans at the Bath VA to shop from. Each veteran is allowed to choose up to 10 gifts to be sent to family members. "It is with heartfelt appreciation, that I say thank you to these tremendous volunteers who are an inspiration to all of us," said David J. West, Bath VA Medical Center director.

"They have touched the lives of so many at this important time of the year."

"This is the one big thing we can do for all they have done for us," said Addie Butler, event chairperson for the past 20 years.

"They appreciate everything, they really do," said Robert Davis, Jr., a veteran participating in the program. "This is a wonderful program. It's a way of helping veterans out who don't have the resources, a real helping hand during this holiday season."