Simsbury Holiday Collection Drive for Veterans in its 9th Year

Submitted release 

State Rep. John K. Hampton is once again hosting the Town of Simsbury Holiday Collection Drive for the state veterans’ home in Rocky Hill, now in its ninth year. This year, the Simsbury Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1926 and the Simsbury Ladies Auxiliary will co-sponsor the initiative.

“I am pleased to carry on this tribute to our state veterans. I feel it is fitting to recognize them by meaningful action, by offering up some support to those who may be in need at this time. This has become a nice tradition in town and grows bigger very year. I am so excited and extremely grateful that the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary are supporting this program,” said Rep. Hampton.

"It is the mission of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign War) and VFW Ladies Auxiliary to support veterans of our Armed Forces. We at Simsbury VFW Post 1926 and the Simsbury Ladies Auxiliary are pleased to demonstrate our commitment to this mission through this activity which directly aids our veterans in the local veterans' home especially at Christmas time when the need is so great,” said John Fox of the Simsbury VFW Post 1926.

The drive will commence on Dec. 8 and will continue until Dec. 22. Residents may leave contributions in specially marked collection boxes set up throughout town. Collection

• · Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company (Main Station), 871 Hopmeadow Street
• · Simsbury Public Library
• · Melina's Coiffures, 1410 Hopmeadow Street (WOMEN'S ITEMS ONLY) —i.e. toiletries, snacks, coffee, gift cards for clothing, laundry detergent, etc.)

On Dec. 15 — at Simsbury Town Hall — items will be collected in person from noon to 2 p.m.

Mitchell Auto Group is loaning two large cargo vans to stuff and transport items to the Veterans' Home.

A special collection is being held for a woman veteran who is transitioning to independent living for the first time in twenty years. A “virtual housewarming shower” has created a registry for items such as a TV, bed sheets, blankets (Queen size), pots/pans, towels, toiletries, laundry detergent, etc. for her new home. Community volunteers Mona Martinik & Patty Carpen will be coordinating this effort. To participate in the housewarming project, residents can contact Mrs. Martinik at 860.658.7932

The Veterans’ Home currently provides care and shelter for approximately 500 veterans, four of  whom are women. These include veterans who are otherwise homeless, needy or disabled and require long-term medical care.

Started in 2004, the Simsbury campaign seeks clothing, personal items, and accessories. Clothing needs include casual pants and jeans, shirts & sweaters, as well as lounge pants, underwear& socks. Shoes and slippers are also appreciated. (PLEASE NOTE: The Veterans' Home now only accepts NEW item with tags.)

In addition, toiletries are welcome. Those might include shaving kits, shampoos & deodorants, lip balms, combs & brushes.

Other popular items are games, craft kits, CDs/DVDs, as well as stamps, photo albums, flashlights or batteries.

http://www.ct.gov/ctva/lib/ctva/2012/documents/2012HolidayWishlist.pdf

For more information, please call Mr. Hampton at (860) 803-4072 or e-mail him at john.hampton@cga.ct.gov