The Annual Simsbury Holiday Collection Drive for Veterans’ Home Has Begun!

I am delighted to be once again hosting the Simsbury Holiday Collection Drive for the state veterans’ home in Rocky Hill, now in its ninth year.

This year, I am grateful that the Simsbury Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1926 and the Simsbury VFW Ladies Auxiliary are co-sponsoring the initiative.

The drive began on December 8th and will continue until December 22nd. Residents may leave contributions in specially marked collection boxes set up throughout town. Collection boxes can be found at:

· Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company (Main Station), 871 Hopmeadow Street

· Simsbury Public Library

· Melina's Coiffures, 1410 Hopmeadow Street (WOMEN'S ITEMS ONLY) —i.e. toiletries, snacks, coffee, gift cards for clothing, laundry detergent, etc.)

On December 15th -- at Simsbury Town Hall -- items will be collected in person from 12:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m.

A special collection is being held for a woman veteran who is transitioning to independent living for the first time in twenty years.

A “virtual housewarming shower” has created a registry for items such as bed sheets, blankets (Queen size), pots/pans, towels, toiletries, laundry detergent, etc. for her new home. Community volunteers Mona Martinik & Patty Carpen are coordinating this effort. To participate in the housewarming project, residents can contact Mrs. Martinik at 860.658.7932

The Veterans’ Home currently provides care and shelter for approximately 500 veterans, four of whom are women. These include veterans who are otherwise homeless, needy or disabled and require long-term medical care.

Started in 2004, the Simsbury campaign seeks clothing, personal items, and accessories. Clothing needs include casual pants and jeans, shirts & sweaters, as well as lounge pants, underwear& socks. Shoes and slippers are also appreciated. (PLEASE NOTE: The Veterans' Home now only accepts NEW item with tags.)

In addition, toiletries are welcome. Those might include shaving kits, shampoos & deodorants, lip balms, combs & brushes.

Other popular items are games, craft kits, CDs/DVDs, as well as stamps, photo albums, flashlights or batteries.

Please click for a complete wish list:

http://www.ct.gov/ctva/lib/ctva/2012/documents/2012HolidayWishlist.pdf

Thank you for supporting our veterans!

Special thanks to VFW Post 1926 and the Simsbury VFW Ladies Auxiliary!

For more information, please contact me at (860) 803-4072 or e-mail me at john.hampton@cga.ct.gov