Holiday Cards Delivered to the VA Hospital Express Gratitude

Kathy Ferrell, Katie Schafer and Valerie Clarke are by a VA Christmas tree.

The American Red Cross was busy a few days before Christmas this year spreading holiday cheer at the VA Hospital in Murfreesboro as they continued the Holiday Mail for Heroes program. With big smiles on their faces Red Cross representatives Valerie Clarke, Kathy Ferrell and Katie Schafer walked the halls at the VA Hospital handing out hand-written cards to nurses, doctors, workers and most importantly, veterans.  Plus, some veterans who don’t have dietary issues were given care boxes of goodies donated by Loveless Cafe.

It was fun to watch the veteran’s expressions as Valerie and Kathy entered their rooms and said in a very friendly voice, “Hi, Merry Christmas, I have something for you.” As they handed out the cards and gift boxes, the veterans seemed genuinely happy to receive them.  Some of them don’t get many visitors so they were excited for the visit and wanted to spend some time talking.

Kathy Ferrell and Valerie Clarke enter
 a veteran’s room to deliver holiday cards.

It was a very enjoyable experience for both the veterans and the volunteers.  But it is also important to remember, as Kathy, the Executive Director of the Heart of Tennessee Red Cross office in Murfreesboro, pointed out, “Some people think the Red Cross only responds during times of disasters, but this is an example of the type of work we do all year.”

Volunteering for the Red Cross with the Holiday Mail for Heroes program is very gratifying and more volunteers are encouraged to get involved.  If you are stressed out this time of year, or have the holiday blues, volunteering at the VA Hospital is a great way to lift your spirits. To get involved with our Service to the Armed Forces or Holiday Mail for Heroes program, please contact your local chapter to volunteer.

Photos and Story by Peter Fechheimer, Red Cross Volunteer