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VA Northern Indiana's St. Joseph County VA Clinic Celebrates the Holidays

Members from the Get Wet for a Vet organization standing behind shopping carts.
The Get Wet for a Vet organization posing with their donation items for Veterans at the St. Joseph County VA Clinic.
By Alex Sharpe, Public Affairs Officer

The December St. Joseph County VA Clinic food pantry supported 81 Veterans.

The pantry hosted several volunteers, including Santa. The Get Wet for a Vet President, Jim Metherd handed out Martin grocery store gift cards. Veterans also received donated hams, turkey voucher coupons, food boxes, and toiletry items.

After the food pantry, St. Joseph Social Workers and Get Wet for a Vet members headed to Wal-Mart to shop for 5 Veterans. Jim Metherd and his organization provided $500 per Veteran to Shop at Wal-Mart. The intent was for all the Veterans to be able to shop for what they wanted and needed for Christmas.

“We shopped for 5 Veterans, most of which are very sick and have many hardships going on in their lives. Get Wet for a Vet has supported many Veterans through our program throughout the years. Ranging from car repairs, Christmas sponsorships, Thanksgiving sponsorships, hams for Christmas, utility and rent payments, furniture requests, and much more,” said Metherd.

Only 1 Veteran well enough to attend the event. Get Wet for A Vet members and St. Joseph Social Workers shopped for the other 4 Veterans. Christmas lists ranged from clothing items, household supplies, food items, shoes, movies, and other needs for the Veterans.