AMVETS post helps hospitalized veterans

Members of AMVETS Post No. 49 donated money and items to the V.A. WNY Healthcare System during the holiday season. Delivering the donation were, from left to right, Frank Uhlman, Eugene Neff, Donald Killian, Charles Gordon, James McDonald, Robert Stevenson, Richard Pfalzer and Thomas Napierala. Pictured center is Veterans Hospital Director Mike Finnegan.

The Amherst AMVETS Post No. 49's 54 members voted recently to support the Veterans Hospital Volunteer Support Group, which provides support and services to veterans, some hospitalized and some outpatients, as well as many homeless.

The members' efforts offer additional comfort and aid to help in the veterans' recoveries.

Throughout October and November, the members of the post collected money and items to be donated to the Veterans Hospital for the VA Hospital Volunteer Support needs.

They collected DVDs, videos, games, music tapes and CDs and also clothing, hats, gloves, sheets and pillowcases. Members also received two donated TVs.

The program is run under the direction of Mark Francis, who coordinates needs for veterans, both hospitalized and outpatients. The donations also benefit homeless veterans who are in need of financial and medical aid.

On Dec. 11, the post's members presented a check and gifts to Veterans Hospital Director Mike Finnegan. Those attending the presentation were Frank Uhlman, Eugene Neff, Donald Killian, Charles Gordon, James Mc- Donald, Robert Stevenson, Richard Pfalzer and Thomas Napierala.

Donations are always needed. To help, send contributions to the VA Volunteer Support Group at VA Western New York, Healthcare System, 3495 Bailey Ave., Buffalo, NY 14215.