by Rachel Hunter
As the holidays approach, the VFW 6338 Auxiliary is answering the call of compassion with unwavering dedication—rallying members, neighbors, and generous hearts to bring warmth and dignity to hospitalized, homeless and other veterans in need. Their recent $500 donation, sent by Treasurer Sara Platt, to Wounded Warriors Outdoor Adventures will help sustain Camp Serenity in Pierrepont, NY, a place where healing and hope take root for those who’ve served.
Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that this generosity is hard-earned. The VFW 6338 Auxiliary earns the funds for its veterans and family outreach through their fundraising efforts throughout the year. These events are held at the Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 and include both spring and fall rummage sales, coordinated by Ruth Mead, Sara and Jeff Platt and members of the Auxiliary; the December Craft Fair coordinated by Sara Platt with Jeff Platt providing delicious food and beverages for vendors and hungry shoppers; and the VFW Auxiliary’s Monday Night Dinners held each fall, coordinated by Marlene Webster and her volunteer crew, representing both Post and Auxiliary members. These events would not be successful without the full support of the North Country community.
“We greatly appreciate everyone’s help,” said VFW 6338 Auxiliary Sr. Vice President Linda McEathron. “We are also grateful to Auxiliary members who donated goods and funds, a Canton Post member who donated all of the men’s briefs, and others who anonymously donated.”
This year’s outreach extends to homeless veterans at Peter J. Young, Altamount House in Dewitt, Syracuse Veterans Hospital, Camp Serenity, and local families facing hardship.
A total of thirty-five packages were prepared for hospitalized veterans. These packages included a hand crocheted hat by Linda McEathron, shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, toothbrush and cover, toothpaste, tissue, comb, puzzle book, pen and pencil, warm slipper socks, a snack bag of Lifesavers mints and Hershey chocolate kisses along with a signed holiday greeting card. In addition, our female hospitalized veterans received a variety of feminine hygiene products in their package, and a poppy necklace. Also donated were two large packages of disposable disinfectant wipes
Thirty packages were prepared for homeless veterans. Their packages contain a new T-shirt, underwear, two pairs of warm socks, new hand towel and washcloth, comb, toothbrush and cover, toothpaste, tissues, small notebook, pen and pencil, laundry detergent and softener, snack pack of lifesaver mints and Hershey chocolate kisses and a signed holiday greeting card. In addition, female veterans received a variety of feminine hygiene products, and a poppy necklace. New pairs of men’s sneakers and women’s flats were also donated. The VFW Auxiliary also donated two large packages of disposable disinfecting wipes. These packages will be delivered soon to each location in the near future.
Much gratitude is extended to the Auxiliary and its community partners for making the veterans and family outreach a success. A special work of appreciation goes out to President Jeff Platt, Jr. Vice President Ernie McEathron, and all who helped bring this mission to life. And as Christmas draws near, the Auxiliary will continue its outreach to veterans and families—providing Sav-A-Lot gift cards and holiday treats. In Gouverneur, giving isn’t just seasonal—it’s a tradition rooted in service, stitched together by hands that never stop reaching out.
For more information on VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary, call 315-287-4682.