American Legion Auxiliary members spread cheer in Grand Island, Omaha veterans hospitals

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KOLN) - At the Grand Island VA Medical Center, Glen Henderson’s family visits him while he recovers from knee surgery.

“They are my heart,” Henderson said, while looking at photos of his grandkids on his phone. “They’re cuties.”

Despite being in the hospital, this Army Veteran will have something to surprise them with this Christmas.

“I’m blessed. They give me so much,” Henderson said. “And this is a blessing to give them something.”

As a way to tell veterans, “Thank you,” and, “Merry Christmas,” the American Legion Auxiliary puts together gift shops in the Grand Island and Omaha veterans hospitals.

On Dec. 10, the members set up the gift shop in Grand Island. They took veterans through to shop for three items for themselves or to pick four gifts to give to their family members for the holidays.

“It’s the best feeling because some of these veterans will be here for Christmas, unfortunately, because they’re having procedures or other things done,” said Amanda Washburn, Nebraska American Legion Auxiliary President. “And they may not have anyone to take them out to get presents for their families or they may not get anything themselves for Christmas.”

The day before the gift shop, the American Legion Auxiliary members buy gifts that amount to $4,000 for each hospital. Then they take the patients “shopping” through the tables.

“I feel like Santa Claus, especially when I’m bringing them presents or taking them around,” beamed Debra Albers, the northwestern division vice president.

Forty cents of the Auxiliary members' yearly dues go toward the Gift Shop. This includes donations from American Legion families across the state.

“I thought it was just like candy and things, but this is pretty impressive, considering that I can’t really go shopping,” said Walter Bryant, a patient and Air Force Veteran from Oregon. “It’s difficult to get around, and I can’t walk. It feels good that there’s people that care about me and these other guys.”

The gift shop at the Gran Island VA Medical Center lasts for one day and the one in Omaha lasts for three days. This season, the Auxiliary members wrapped up gifts for about 150 veterans.

“We can’t do what we do everyday if it wasn’t for veterans,” said Vicki Cyboron, American Legion Auxiliary member who helped coordinate the gift shop. “It’s a neat event, and it’s an honor to do it each year.”

Aside from the Gift Shop, the American Legion Auxiliary also held events called Gifts for Yanks and Dollar Days this December. They involve playing bingo with veterans, and the Nebraska American Legion Family gives them cash for the holidays as a way to thank them for their service.

“Many of these veterans are alone,” Albers said. “And this is the season not to be alone.”

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