Residents at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Caribou were able to do their Christmas shopping early this year thanks to the volunteer efforts of members of the area American Legion Posts and Auxiliary units.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Louana Reitmeyer a member of the Caribou American Legion Auxiliary Unit 15, was a very busy Santa’s Helper, as she wrapped numerous holiday gifts selected by MVH residents for their family members.
On what is commonly known as “Black Friday,” in the retail world, MVH residents didn’t have to brave the rain on that day to shop for their family members, rather they were able to do so from the comfort and warmth of the dayroom at the facility.
American Legion volunteers were on hand to assist with the selection of gifts that were already displayed in the common room as well as wrap the gifts and ready them for mailing if necessary.
Through the Maine Department of the American Legion and individual area posts and units, the gifts available for selection are all purchased beforehand by the volunteers. Funds for the gifts result from fund-raisers held throughout the year by the American Legion members as well as some from private donations. This event is held country-wide each year. All monies raised through American Legion events go to benefit veterans.
This year at the MVH in Caribou, 20 American Legion Post/Auxiliary Unit members and five staff members helped residents complete their holiday shopping during the morning hours that brought the holiday spirit out in full force, complete with a large decorated tree, music and refreshments.
“We shop for Santa,” said both American Legion Auxiliary members Kathy Robinson and Margaret Johnson, “this year we assisted at least 70 veterans in shopping for their families. We make sure the gifts are all wrapped and if family members live out of the area, we get them ready to mail all right here before we leave.”
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Margaret Johnson, left and Kathy Robinson, American Legion Auxiliary members from Stockholm were Santa’s helpers during the recent Shopping for Santa morning held at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Caribou. Gift items, provided by the American Legion Posts and Auxiliary Units, were on display for residents to shop for their family members from with each gift then wrapped and if needed, readied for mailing.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Emma Budrow, 96, of Presque Isle and a resident at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Caribou, was able to wrap-up her holiday shopping during the special “Shopping for Santa” event sponsored by members of the local American Legion Posts and Auxiliary Units. With Mrs. Budrow is her daughter Delores Brown who is also a member of the American Legion Post 88 Auxiliary.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Maine Veterans’ Home resident Rita Pinette greeted visitors Trisha Schull, Port Director at the Van Buren Port of Entry, and Lorne Madore, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Agent, during the Nov. 27, Shopping for Santa event sponsored by area American Legion members.
