Home Depot – Albert Lea American Legion members brighten days of veterans, auxiliary girls with annual items of poinsettias – Albert Lea Tribune
Members of the Leo Carey American Legion Submit 56 and the Albert Lea American Legion Riders this week delivered vacation cheer to veterans and Legion Auxiliary members in care services throughout the town.
The organizations gave out over 100 poinsettias at Good Samaritan Society, Thorne Crest Senior Dwelling Neighborhood, St. John’s Lutheran Neighborhood, Oak Park Place and Prairie Senior Cottages. The poinsettias had been bought from Home Depot in Albert Lea.
“This is a time to show our community our spirit that we’re here for our veterans and also our auxiliary members,” mentioned American Legion Submit 56 Cmdr. Jeff Olson.
Olson mentioned the organizations have given out poinsettias up to now, and it was one thing they felt was significantly wanted this yr to point out the veterans and auxiliary members help and thanks from the group in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whereas final yr, 25 volunteers disbursed the flowers all through the services in-person and shared tales and companionship throughout their visits, this yr workers from every of the services helped distribute them to the residents of their services.
“We just thank our vets and our auxiliary ladies,” Olson mentioned. “We also pay tribute to all the nursing staff — for their help in keeping these individuals safe and being their families when they can’t have their families there now.”
The flowers had been bought with donations made all year long to the American Legion Submit 56 and Auxiliary, the Albert Lea American Legion Riders and the Sons of the American Legion.
Kathleen Woodside, director of public relations and advertising and marketing at St. John’s Lutheran Neighborhood, thanked these concerned for his or her items. She mentioned 45 veterans and auxiliary members obtained poinsettias at her facility.
“It has been a very challenging year for everyone, and this beautiful gift brightened the day of so many veterans,” Woodside mentioned. “The St. John’s residents and tenants enjoyed receiving their plants, and the thoughtful gift made everyone smile and warmed many hearts.”
Catherine Buboltz, gross sales and advertising and marketing director at Thorne Crest Senior Dwelling Neighborhood, mentioned the Leo Carey American Legion Submit 56 has gone above and past this previous yr to stay dedicated to space veterans.
“Normally the Legion Riders, Legion Auxiliary members and Sons of the Legion have taken the time to come and socialize with our resident veterans, along with bringing gifts throughout the year,” Buboltz mentioned. “Legion Submit No. 56 has executed an awesome job of adapting to the adjustments introduced forth with the COVID-19 pandemic and have continued to succeed in out to our veterans, with playing cards and items to thank them for his or her service and to remind them they aren’t forgotten.”
She mentioned veterans have been delighted with the gadgets which have been introduced in. Twenty-four folks obtained poinsettias.
“Thank you to our local post for all of their efforts to make sure our veterans know we are appreciative of their service and we have not forgotten them,” Buboltz mentioned.
Shelly Mehus, director of housing at Oak Park Place, mentioned the residents who obtained poinsettias at her facility had been touched by the particular effort made for them. One even requested tips on how to hold the plant alive.
“The gifts made them feel special — as does being recognized for their service,” she mentioned.
Olson mentioned the poinsettia is a modest token of appreciation and respect for the veterans and auxiliary girls, recognizing the veterans for his or her service to the nation and the sacrifices they made to maintain the freedoms right here.
“We are hoping next year will be a different story as we truly miss being a part of the poinsettia presentation,” he mentioned. “Our Legion Post members, Legion Auxiliary, Legion Riders and our Sons of American Legion want to wish our community Merry Christmas.”
