Several years ago, then President National Lynne Schulman challenged Daughters throughout the country to become engaged with the various VA hospitals and facilities in their respective states. She asked us to join the Veterans Affairs Volunteer Services committees and start contributing with our time, money, and hearts.
Several members of the Captain Johnston Blakeley chapter have truly risen to the occasion over the past couple of years despite COVID-19 restrictions. They include Stephanie Armstrong from Concord, N.C. Stephanie personally donated almost $1,200 worth of clothing, food, and personal hygiene and entertainment items to the W. G. Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, N.C.
Three more unsung heroes are Emily Cooper, Frances Schoenling and Ann Shaddock who routinely contribute elaborate baskets to the Durham VA Medical Center’s silent auction each Fall.
And Debbie Vaughn who assisted patients and visitors with writing and creating Valentine’s during National Salute to Veteran Patients Week in February at the Durham, N.C. facility. Other CJB Daughters have donated money anonymously allowing the chapter’s VAVS representative to purchase a robotic cat that was used to comfort dementia patients at that same hospital.
And when the hospital’s food pantry was running precariously low, multiple Daughters generously donated more than 100 Hormel Compleats, a shelf-stable nutritious, high-protein meal, that is distributed to homeless veterans.
Thanks to all the CJB Daughters who have contributed to this successful, continuous campaign to support our North Carolina veterans.
Information and photo were provided by Mary Ann Loss, a member of the Captain Johnston Blakeley 1812 Chapter.
