Continuing the ‘Valentines for Vets’ Program

I am inviting the 16th Assembly District to open their hearts to Long Island’s veterans by participating in my annual Valentines for Vets Program. This is a district-wide effort to show the veterans who have served our country that they are appreciated and have not been forgotten.

As a member of the Assembly’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I look forward to your participation in continuing to make this program an overwhelming success.

For the past 4 years public and parochial schools, as well as businesses and private citizens in the community, have donated personal care items, outerwear and electronics for the Valentines for Vets Program. Each year, I personally deliver the handmade valentines and donated items to the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook and the Northport VA Medical Center. Last year the along with my staff, we delivered two truckloads of donations.

What better way to show our appreciation for the sacrifices that veterans have made than to send a valentine or donate an item that veterans can use? Please drop off items by Wednesday, February 1, to my district office located at 45 North Station Plaza, Suite 203 in Great Neck. If you have a question please contact the office at 516-482-6966.

All items must be new. Suggested donations include handmade valentines, tooth brushes, tooth paste, denture adhesive, shampoo, deodorant, hair brushes, non-slip socks, winter hats, gloves, scarves, stamps, patriotic caps or t-shirts, compact discs, scratch-off lottery tickets, iTunes gift cards, wheel chair cup holders, note cards, phone cards, hand-held computer games, electric razors, clock radio/cassette players, walkmans, terry cloth robes, winter coats, universal remotes, DVDs, portable CD players, ear phones, electric toothbrushes, sweatpants and sweatshirts.

Michelle Schimel is the New York State Assembly representative for the 16th Assembly District. She was first elected in a Special Election held on March 27, 2007.