MONTICELLO – The Kiwanis Clubs of Monticello and Woodridge joined together to bring some happiness to veterans serviced by the Sullivan County Veterans Department and Action Toward Independence (ATI). They presented little gifts and Happy Veterans Day cards to Veterans Director Stephen Walsh and ATI Executive Director Deborah Worden. 

The cards were made by Kiwanis members, as well as by members of the Kiwanis service leadership clubs, including the high school Key Clubs and the Aktion Club of Sullivan County. The Aktion Club is sponsored by both Kiwanis Clubs and is comprised of individuals with various degrees of disabilities, affiliated with Arc of The Greater Hudson Valley, The Center for Discovery, and New Hope Community.

Amanda Curless’ Liberty Middle School class also designed beautiful cards for this project.  

The cards and gifts, consisting of personal toiletry items: body lotion, razors, socks, Find the Word, Sudoku and Crossword Puzzles, playing cards and an assortment of candy, will be distributed to local veterans, including homeless individuals and patients at the local nursing homes and hospitals as well as Castle Point and Albany Veterans Hospital.  

Directors Walsh and Worden stated that both agencies work together to serve the local veterans and they thanked the Kiwanis Clubs stating that the individuals will love not only the gifts and cards, but especially the idea that someone took the time to remember and thank them for their service and sacrifice to our country.  Many of these veterans face multiple challenges and the time spent to convey a thoughtful message goes a long way in helping them through a difficult time.

The Kiwanis Clubs have reached out to many agencies in the past year with the main mission of giving back to the community and to let them know that there are people who care for them.  

For more information about Kiwanis activities, visit the Facebook Pages for Monticello, NY Kiwanis Club or Kiwanis of Woodridge, NY Foundation.