December 23, 2009 in City, Idaho

VA staff makes holidays warmer for some veterans’ families

By The Spokesman-Review
 
Tags:ChristmasVA
Jesse Tinsley photo

Victor Avery, 3, hugs his first gift as gifts from the Veterans Adminstration hospital staff are handed out Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009 at the St. Vincent de Paul transitional housing center in Coeur d’Alene. Victor’s family was one of more than a dozen families “adopted” by the VA hospital staff, who delivered gifts and food for the holidays.
(Full-size photo)(All photos)

Veterans’ families whose Christmas holiday looked bleak a few weeks ago were surprised with donated gifts and food Wednesday from employees at the Spokane Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Navy veteran Sandy R. Avery appeared overwhelmed as she and her five sons’ arms were loaded with gifts and a little cash by VA employees.

“This is great. I was very surprised by it,” Avery said. She was with her family in a Coeur d’Alene transitional housing facility.

“My wish came true,” Andrew Avery, 7, said after he discovered a hand-sewn bag filled with goodies. “I wanted a bag full of cookies.”

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Five comments on this story so far. Add yours!

  • PhiltheBibliophil on December 23 at 6:19 p.m.

    I wish more of us Veterans had known about this.

  • majorpain on December 23 at 6:32 p.m.

    Well I don’t know what to say other than I am happy that family received help. Too bad the Spokane V.A. is the WORST V.A. I have ever been too.

    That place is in serious need for a congressional investigation.

  • Roger__Young on December 23 at 9:10 p.m.

    The CDA VA hands out compassion. The Spokane VA hands out murder and then give the families the finger.

    Sellman the CEO/Head Poohbah got a promotion and is moving up the VA ladder on the bones of the Vets who killed themselves because of that place.

    I’m with majorpain, however investigation after we line up a row of bulldozers and level that place

    They charge me $44 for a prescription that costs $4 at WalMart.

  • elcee1987 on December 23 at 10:46 p.m.

    Any word on holiday dinner help for families who aren’t vets? Would like to not have to skip christmas just because we don’t have any food.

  • ntkoanhla on December 23 at 11:07 p.m.

    Wish all of the kids on this world have received gifts on Christmas from realistic Santa Claus! Thanks VA

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