American Legion Post #31 working on veteran gift bags

American Legion Post #31 Commander Doug Hargett and his group are looking to expand a program he began three years ago that sought to help bring a little holiday cheer to local veterans.

Hargett and fellow members of the post in Tuscumbia enlisted help from the community to put together gift bags for veterans who might not otherwise receive anything over the holidays.

Especially veterans residing in nursing homes, hospice care, hospitals and those who are shut ins.

“That first year we were able to give 85 gift bags,” Hargett said. “The next year, I asked at Veterans Day if we could get the number to 100, and we did 124. Last year, some sponsors (like the Shoals Elks Lodge and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Retirees Association) came on, and we were able to hand out 247 bags.”

Now, Hargett and Post #31 are looking to expand their efforts and offer veterans gift bags on Memorial Day as well as in December.

Hargett encourages the public to contribute by donating men’s large and extra-large T shirts (white or colored), socks for men or women, and various toiletry items.

Requested toiletries include lip balm, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, mild deodorant for both men and women, as well as lightly scented body wash and shampoo.

In addition to basic necessities, Hargett said veterans also appreciate jigsaw puzzles, games with large print, pencils, pens and personally signed greeting cards to brighten their day.

Items will be collected from April 1 through May 11.

Donations can be delivered to Emily Cooper Studio and Art Supply Store, located at 106 N. Main St., Tuscumbia, Tuesday through Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Monetary donations are also welcome and will directly support the gift bag effort.

Gifts will be distributed to veterans in Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale counties for Memorial Day, which is on May 25.

If family members wish to share the names of individual loved ones and locations in local facilities, the post will make every effort to deliver gifts in person, allowing for veteran-to-veteran visits.

Personal information will be kept confidential and can be sent to Richard Parker at [email protected].

“The public is invited and requested to help again this year with this worthwhile project, one that has brought comfort and caring to veterans who might not otherwise receive gifts from family and loved ones,” said the Post in a release.