American Legion Auxiliary Revives Beloved Holiday Gift Shop for Veterans at SAVAHCS
The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Holiday Gift Shop has returned to the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) after a hiatus due to COVID-19.
This cherished tradition, dating back to 1928, offers hospitalized Veterans the opportunity to select gifts for their loved ones at no cost.
"This is the first time we've been able to get this gift shop running since COVID, and it's very exciting to be back in action," said Sabrina Lugo, Assistant Chief of SAVAHCS’ Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE). The gift shop will operate for three days. From 9 AM to 4 PM today and tomorrow and from 9 AM to 2 PM on 5 December. There a special setup in the community living center on Wednesday to reach as many patients as possible.
The ALA Holiday Gift Shop serves a crucial purpose for Veterans who are unable to leave the hospital during the holiday season. "It's intended for inpatient and admitted Veterans so they can do a little shopping during the holidays," Lugo explained. The program goes beyond just providing gifts; volunteers also wrap and mail presents for Veterans whose loved ones are not local.
Hospitalized Veterans may not have much family or visitors during the holidays. "The shop offers Veterans an opportunity to come here, take a free gift, and do something nice,” said Arizona State Commander for the American Legion Manuel Beltran, highlighting the significance of this 75-year tradition. “Then, they can socialize and meet other Veterans."
Marge Christianson, American Legion Auxiliary 2nd Vice President for Arizona, shed light on the source of the gifts: "Most of the items are donated by local auxiliary units through fundraising activities. They go out and purchase items that they believe will help Veterans during what might be a very lonely time of the year."
The ALA Holiday Gift Shop exemplifies the ongoing commitment of the American Legion Auxiliary to support Veterans, especially during the holiday season. By providing this service, they ensure that hospitalized Veterans can participate in the joy of gift-giving, maintaining connections with their loved ones even while confined to medical facilities.