A handful of veterans at the new Southern Utah Veteran’s Home in Ivins worked together for the past six months to make and paint toy blocks and prepare stuffed stockings for Christmas to donate to the children and families at the Dove Center in St. George.
The Dove Center, a non-profit organization that works to help victims and families impacted by domestic violence, often temporarily provides shelter for women and young children.
Vie Van Noy, recreation director at the veteran’s home, said the 200 blocks were cut by her husband, but the veteran residents at the home worked together several days a week to sand the blocks and paint them various colors.
The blocks were bagged up and made ready to go for 20 kids Monday at the home.
“We’ve had a lot of people in the community that have given to our facility, and this is our way of giving back,” she said.
Making the blocks, cards and preparing the stockings was a good service project for the veterans, Van Noy said.
“When we are able to do service projects for others, it improves our quality of life, and it really helps with their self-esteem,” she said.
Joanne Carriere, U.S. Navy veteran and resident of the home, said she was glad to take part in the project.
“I love doing this with my friends,” she said. “This is how I am social. I love it here.”
Merchant Marine veteran James Lee Brady said he has always been service oriented.
“I wanted to do this from the graciousness of my heart,” he said with a laugh.
Calvin Nielson, Army veteran and resident, said he likes helping with service.
“I didn’t have anything else to do,” he said.
Pat Evers, a volunteer at the home, said she and her husband have been volunteering at the veteran’s home because they both have worked in the military sector and want to continue giving back.
“I have a special heart for veterans,” she said. “I’ve worked at other nursing homes, and this one is the best. We love it her and the relationships we’ve formed with others.”
Van Noy said the home is filled with residents and also now offers a new short-term rehabilitation wing.
“Things are going really well for us here,” she said.
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