East Meadow American Legion gives back to veterans

The East Meadow American Legion Post No. 1082 brought dozens of gift card donations to Nassau County’s Veterans Service Agency, just before the holidays.

The VSA is also located in East Meadow, behind the Nassau University Medical Center. There, it operates a health clinic, staffed by volunteers who assist veterans in getting the health care they require. It can also help veterans in understanding benefits entitled to them by federal, state and local governments, along with offering other programs such as employment counseling and discharge upgrading.

The post raised money from its Football Sunday fundraiser, which took place on Sept. 24, 2023. It allowed 1082 to purchase $600 in Walmart gift cards — which were deemed versatile for multiple needs.

The VSA gives out baskets through its adopted children program — who are children of veterans — and the cards were added into the baskets. Along with donations raised at the September event, other organizations in East Meadow, including the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce, donated to the collection, in order to best serve as many people ahead of the holidays.