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Veterans spread holiday cheer

Gifts for loved ones selected, wrapped and sent

T-R PHOTO BY ADAM SODDERS West Marshall senior and National Honor Society member Rosie Dawley was one of many volunteers that escorted IVH residents during the American Legion Auxiliary Christmas Gift Wrap Tuesday.

Iowa Veterans Home residents picked from a wide variety of gifts to send to loved ones Tuesday during the annual American Legion Auxiliary Christmas Gift Wrap.

“For several of our residents, they don’t have the ability to go out and shop,” said Aimee Deimerly, IVH volunteer coordinator.

She said the residents had filled out information on where to send the two free gifts or gift cards they picked out, adding the presents are often sent to friends and family.

During Tuesday’s event at the IVH Malloy Leisure Resource Center, a group of West Marshall High School National Honor Society students helped escort residents through the process of picking a gift and turning it in for wrapping and sending. Several volunteers from the ALA, American Legion and the IVH also escorted the veterans.

“It’s just rewarding,” said West Marshall senior and NHS member Madde Green.

Fellow WMHS seniors and NHS volunteers Shay Slifka and Rosie Dawley also said they were happy to help.

“It makes us get out of our comfort zone,” Slifka said, adding she sees it as the essence of NHS to volunteer in the community.

Dawley said she enjoyed communicating with the residents and helping them pick out the perfect gift for their loved ones.

“We’re here to help,” she said. “I like talking to all the people.”

During today’s gift wrap, a group of home-schooled students will volunteer time to escort residents.

Among the items available were blankets, warm clothing, ornaments, chocolate candies, board games, and a myriad of other small gifts. IVH resident Harry Blackburn said he picked out presents for his wife, Becky, and oldest daughter, Janelle.

“My oldest daughter… is going to have my first grandchild,” he said, adding he got her a gift card.

Another resident, Robert Sieck, said he picked out two items for his wife, Sharon.

“I picked out the necklace and earrings,” he said

Deimerly said the residents take great joy in the gift wrap every year.

“It (residents) feel good, it’s wonderful,” she said, adding she’s thankful for everyone involved in making the event possible. “We feel blessed to have them.”

To donate funds for next year’s gift wrap, send checks made out to the American Legion Auxiliary of Iowa to 720 Lyon St., Des Moines, and add “Christmas gift shop” in the memo. Donations will be used to buy gifts for next year’s gift wrap.

Today’s ALA Christmas Gift Wrap is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Malloy Leisure Resource Center.

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