Business Coalition for Veterans collecting items for annual ‘Christmas at the VA’

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) – The Business Coalition for Veterans has started collecting items for their eighth annual ‘Christmas at the VA’ event.

The organization is mainly looking for prepackaged food stuff as well as $10 gift cards.

The end goal is to put together baskets for veterans stuck at the VA over the holidays to try to bring them some Christmas cheer.

“For a lot of veterans, it’s not a good time,” said Chef Anthony Brando, the founder of the Business Coalition for Veterans. “A lot of them are alone. There is no cheer in the holidays.”

Brando says that it is important not to forget about veterans during the holidays, because this time of year can make them feel more lonely.

“Coming with a calm demeanor and not, you know, all this joy and jumping up and down,” said Brando. “Just coming alongside them and loving them right where they are, that’s really important.”

BCV is collecting donations across Grand Island at the VA Hospital, Ace Hardware, Tiffany Square and Destiny Church.

Last year the group was able to put together 125 Christmas baskets, which was down from their record of 133.

He is hoping to add $10 gift cards from restaurants within walking distance of the VA so that veterans who don’t have cars can still get out and enjoy the season.

“It’s just a wonderful, wonderful chance for this to get away from the VA for a while,” Brando said. “Get away from home and just get out in the community and get back to the community.”

The deadline for donations has been extended until Dec. 10.

Click here to subscribe to our KSNB Local4 daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Copyright 2024 KSNB. All rights reserved.