Veterans discover heat at Winter Wonderland occasion

A festive day of enjoyable, connection, and vacation spirit

On a brisk winter day, the Battle Creek VA Medical Center auditorium was stuffed with winter pleasure as Veterans and caregivers gathered for the first-ever Winter Wonderland vacation occasion offered by the workers of Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) and Recreation Therapy at Battle Creek VA Medical Center. Over 20 totally different companies and neighborhood companions participated in making this occasion a particular time, offering meals, video games and vacation cheer for our nation’s heroes.

“After last year’s Holiday Parade had to be rescheduled twice due to the weather, we wanted to create an event that would ensure all Veterans could be a part of the holiday celebration,” stated Jennifer Picketts, Voluntary Services specialist. “This year’s event brings Veterans, Staff and community partners together to start the holiday season off right.”

Many previous supporters of the parade have been keen to leap on board, in addition to extra teams. The consequence was an auditorium full of heat, mild and pleasure on a chilly and overcast day, as attendees discovered themselves wrapped in enjoyable, fellowship and vacation cheer.

Veteran and kid-friendly

From caroling and music to snowball bowling, and every part in between, Veterans waded their approach via a myriad of vacation leisure. That additionally got here with a complimentary lunch, vacation photographs, t-shirts and an entire lot of reminiscences.

“I like it a lot,” stated Veteran Jessika Anthes, who introduced her husband and two kids. “My daughter is really enjoying the crafts. The ornament making is cool, and I like how kid-friendly this event is, too!”

It was an effective way to unplug from the stresses of the vacation season and have some enjoyable. Check out different methods to de-stress during the holidays.

Civic engagement is essential to the success of those occasions. Veterans make connections with others in the neighborhood and convey these connections with them to VA. The result’s a close-knit household of Veterans and supporters.

“I want to thank all the staff, volunteers and community partners that came together to make this event happen,” added Picketts. “The creativity and dedication that these individuals have and the time that they are willing to take out of their lives to give back to our Veterans is inspiring.”

How do you sign-up to volunteer?

Contact the CDCE at a VA facility near you. Find out extra about volunteering at VA.