TVHS social workers start new tradition
For some Veterans, the holidays represent a time of loneliness and stress.
Many Veterans find themselves unable to participate in the festivities, but a group of Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) social workers set out to change that. TVHS social workers created a tradition of providing holiday gifts to children of homeless Veterans. The tradition is called Angel Tree.
“The idea came to life three years ago,” Jill Fiala, TVHS social worker said. “We have Veterans in the TVHS Homeless Program who submit their children's name to be placed on the Angel Tree. Each social worker then chooses a name from the tree and brings them Christmas gifts.”
The purpose of the tradition is for Veterans and their families to enjoy the holidays rather than focusing on hardships. This past holiday season four TVHS facilities participated in the Angel Tree tradition: Nashville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, and Clarksville.
“Seventy children were placed on the trees, which is the largest number of children the tradition has seen,” Fiala said. “Several Veterans had tears in their eyes as they thanked us.”
Gennifer Mann, TVHS social worker, said the tradition gave her an opportunity to improve her team building skills and meet social workers from different interdisciplinary teams.
"I am very grateful for the team building experience," Mann said. "My group had so much fun with this tradition. I am very thankful for all the social workers who worked on this project."
One Veteran said his family had a rough year, and he was concerned his family would not have presents.
“It broke my heart that they weren’t going to have anything on Christmas morning,” he said. “The VA really came through for us. I can’t believe this.”
TVHS social workers also received handwritten notes from the children on the Angel Tree. One note read, “Thank you for the presents that you gave me. I love them so much and I will use them a lot. I hope you will have a very good life and do many more good deeds.”
Not only did TVHS social workers provide Christmas gifts, but they were also able to partner with local charities and organizations to provide Thanksgiving turkey dinners. More than 55 families received dinners that were delivered from social workers and food banks.
“Being a social worker certainly has its challenges, but also has its rewards,” Fiala said. “Our social workers provided kindness and generosity during a time that is stressful, overwhelming, and expensive. When you look at the real meaning of the season, it’s about giving and sharing.”