Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center

Local school children from dozens of schools donated hundreds of homemade cards to be distributed to Veterans during National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week at Lovell FHCC.

Colorful and heartfelt handmade Valentines still decorate the halls and clinics of the Lovell FHCC in honor of the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans week, which annually coincides with Valentine’s Day. Volunteers brought boxes and boxes of homemade cards, festively wrapped gifts, candy and balloons to give to residents of Freedom Square, Lovell FHCC’s Community Living Center. Volunteers also handed out cards, most made by local school children, to patients of all Lovell FHCC clinics on Valentine’s Day.

Members of local American Legion Auxiliary chapters donated handmade cards and Valentine’s Day gift bags to Veterans during National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week recently. Pictured here behind the desk sorting cards is Beverly Joyce. In front of the desk is Karen Olson, and Sandy Nys is standing. The gifts, homemade cards and donations were made possible by local auxiliary chapters. Additionally, local school children made hundreds of cards for Veterans, which were distributed throughout the Lovell Federal Health Care Center on Valentine’s Day.

“It’s another way for us to say thank you to the Veterans for their service,” said Sandy Nys, a long-time volunteer and member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Nys and other Auxiliary members assembled and passed out gift bags and balloons for women Veterans on Valentine’s Day. The bags included exquisitely crafted cards stamped by members of local Auxiliary chapters and their friends.

On the left, Waukegan Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr., learns how to call bingo from Chicago Swing Club member John Stoffle at Lovell FHCC. Stoffle has volunteered for four decades, and at least 10 years, he said, at Lovell FHCC.

Local politicians also participated in the Salute, including Waukegan Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr., who helped call bingo one afternoon. Naval Station Great Lakes also was represented when Captain Frank Martin, Commander of Navy Region Midwest, attended and spoke at the kick-off event Feb. 10.

Service organizations that regularly support Lovell FHCC, such as the Chicago Swing Club and ABBVIE, also got in on the fun and helped call Bingo games in the CLC. And CLC residents were treated to a special concert and several parties during the week.

“The visits from the volunteers and community members mean a lot to the Veterans, as well as the many cards from the students, because it tells them they are remembered,” said Kenny List, head of voluntary services.

Volunteers are welcomed year-round at Lovell FHCC. Contact Lovell FHCC Voluntary Service to find out what you can do any time of the year. You can visit us online at: http://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/giving/index.asp or you can call us at (224) 610-3714.