THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY WAR MUSEUM RELEASE
(Above) Shannon Whittaker from the Georgetown Public Library drops off over 100 Cards for Veterans from Georgetown Public Library Patrons.
The Vermilion County War Museum will be collecting Christmas cards for veterans again this year. Cards may be dropped off at the Museum Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A special Open House will be held on Saturday, December 3rd from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and admission will be free. Newly crowned Royalty from the American Elegance Pageant will be serving refreshments, accepting cards, and talking with Museum visitors. The free admission will continue through December 9th.
This year’s Card Collection Chair, Jim Switzer said that cards will be collected through December 21st. “In addition to delivering to the VA Facility in Danville, these “Cards for Veterans” will be taken to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We are also working with local Veterans organizations in order to get cards to other lonely veterans who may be homebound or with no family.”
Donated Cards for Veterans are dropped in by Mandy Staub, Jim Switzer, and Vince Staub.
Accordingto Museum volunteer Susan Miceli-Green, the Museum collected and distributed over 900 cards during the holiday season prior to the pandemic. “This year, we hope to surpass 1,000 cards. The community really steps up to help with this project. We’re thrilled to see some visitors bring in a bag with as many as 25 or 50 cards.” Volunteer Rhea Weatherford said, “The goal of the card drive isto let our veterans know that they’re not forgotten, and that their service is appreciated. Every card counts and helps make a veteran smile.”
The War Museum is located in the Carnegie Library Building at 307 North Vermilion Street in Danville and features over 60,000 artifacts displayed in the 14,000 square foot building. Those interested in volunteering at the Museum should contact Board President James Kouzmanoff at 217-431-0034.
