From grief to giving: Gold Star mother honors son’s memory with gifts to Veterans
Angie Carver’s heart was broken in 2010 when her 21-year-old son, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ross Carver, was killed in action in Afghanistan.
Healing from grief
Three years later, as the Christmas season approached, she heard his voice tell her, “Just wrap it, mom.”
Carver took these words to heart and immediately began filling teacups with mixed nuts before searching her house for whatever else she could find. She wrapped 27 gifts that year, which she gave to Veterans at Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora.
This meaningful tribute to Carver’s son has now become a holiday tradition.
“Veterans need a jump start,” said Carver. “Ross’ Presents for Veterans provides a warm hand to fill their hearts.”
A team effort
A decade later, this Gold Star mother is no longer alone in her holiday-giving effort. She is supported by a multitude of patrons, who donate items or make financial contributions.
“I shop all year,” Carver said. “I have a room at my Elks Club in Evergreen, and they let me store gifts there.”
The evening before the giveaway, Carver and about 20 “elves” hold a giftwrapping party and load up a truck. The next morning, she arrives at VA with a few helpers, typically allocating four hours over two days to dispense hundreds of items.
This year, Carver and several helpers implemented the 10th annual Ross’ Presents for Veterans on Dec. 20 and 21, passing out more than 600 gifts and candy to those who served. Bringing extra holiday cheer, many gift givers donned festive hats while others dressed as the Grinch, an elf and a Who (from Whoville).
U.S. Air Force Veteran Dave Collins, 81, held his wrapped gift under his arm as he also accepted chocolates. He smiled at the festive outpouring and said, “It's nice to see folks remember we're still around.”
Outward and inward impact
Interacting with the Veterans and being able to bring joy to them at this time of year really hits home for Carver.
“I like to drive myself there,” said Carver. “When the day of handing out gifts is done, I pray to get stuck in traffic, so I can sit there and cry. We hear so many touching stories from Veterans.”
Carver said many of them share the tragedy, injury and struggle they faced with coming back home.
She also noted that, after receiving their gift, most Veterans want to open it right there on the spot because they might not receive another one.
“I’m like, ‘No, take that home,’” she said. “Then, I give them another one to open now.”
For more information or to help support Ross’ Presents for Veterans, call Carver at 720-985-8164.
- - - - -
April Love is a writer-editor on the VISN 19 Creative Task Force. She began working for VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in 2016 and lives in Aurora, Colorado.