By Jeniffer Graham
DPNews@DominionPost.com
KINGWOOD – For 15 years, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Post 977 has been delivering Christmas boxes filled with food to local veterans and widows of veterans.
The group meets at Save-A-Lot in Kingwood and, with the help of management and employees, puts the boxes together.
“We make sure there’s five good meals in every box,” Jim Savage, president of VVA 977 said. “This year the boxes had a sliced ham, hamburger, chicken, hot dogs, noodles, potatoes, green beans, oranges and apples, plus other items that could be used to make meals.”
He said the organization began the effort to lend a hand to veterans and widows who need a little help.
“They are our brothers and sisters in arms. Some are from the Korean War and a few served in World War II,” Savage said.
Christmas boxes are not the only projects Post 977 takes on during the year. The group also provides two $1,000 scholarships to graduating students at Preston High School. The recipients are chosen based on patriotic essays submitted by students.
He said the group also donates to the Special Olympics and a few of the local volunteer fire departments.
Savage said funding for the projects comes from three 50/50 raffles the group holds yearly and from donations.
To donate to VVA 977 send checks to Vietnam Veterans 977, P.O. Box 803, Masontown, WV 26542.
