Christmas to the Veterans at the Kinston Veterans Home |

Christmas to the Veterans at the Kinston Veterans Home

Once again this year, the Goldsboro & New Bern, North Carolina Lodges joined forces to deliver Christmas to the Veterans at the Kinston Veterans Home. There are 100 Veterans that live at that facility and most do not have family or friends that check in on them. For the past three years, our two Lodges have worked together to purchase and deliver a gift to each Veteran and we always do this on Christmas Eve. We also push to have personnel from SJAFB, Goldsboro, NC join us. For the Veterans, seeing Troops in uniform is a special treat. As you will see in the photos, we try to push the Troops to the forefront as we deliver the gifts as we know that is very special to them. Our day starts with a complimentary breakfast at the Goldsboro Lodge for the volunteers and then we travel to the Veterans Home and spend time with each Veteran as we deliver their gift to them. This year, we had approximately 45 volunteers.

As you may know, the New Bern area was devastated earlier this year by hurricane Florence. In spite of the significant losses experienced by members of the New Bern Lodge they once again stood tall and they delivered gifts to one half of the Veterans in the home. Amazing to see this real-life demonstration of Elkdom as they could have easily passed this year given their ongoing needs. I will tell you they are to be commended! Also, we had the privilege of being joined by the Wing Commander of the 916^th AFW (Col Craig McPike). Each year we receive support from the Troops and to know the base leadership believes in our project and wants to join us is a high compliment to the Elks. The event is organized by Doug McGrath, Goldsboro Lodge 0139 & John Serumgard, New Bern Lodge # 764.

Col McPike & Mr. Arena