Members of American Legion Post 583 in Eatonton traveled to Milledgeville Nov. 30 to attend the Georgia War Veterans Home (GWVH) Joy Shop, considered one of the most important events of the year for American Legion Legionnaires, Sons of the Legion, and the Legion Auxiliary.
When veterans arrived from their GWVH residences to the Joy Shop, volunteers were given registration papers for each veteran’s name and the person to whom they wanted to present a gift.
With a big shopping bag in hand, volunteers took individual veterans into the auditorium filled with tables of donated gifts from 10th District Legion Posts and Units. Several volunteers worked for up to three hours.
“As I left for home, I began to feel overwhelmed by the experience. The veterans were so brave, optimistic, and grateful,” Post 583 historian Vernel Warren said. “I couldn't believe how happy I was as our Unit made a picture with Mr. & Mrs. Claus.
“It reminded me how much my mother put into Christmas. We had to have a picture with Santa Claus. My oldest sister hated it. My mother went all out with decorations, making us outfits, dinner, and presents.”
Traditionally, Warren added, Post 583 distributes Christmas dinners to elder shut-in members of local American Legion families.