Rockville Centre remembers our veterans

When Alyse Spinner of the Jacob’s Light Foundation called Rockville Centre resident Liz Boylan with a last minute request for Christmas items for veterans at the Northport VA Hospital, Boylan knew exactly where to turn for help: to her friends and neighbors in the community.

She said her request went out on Dec. 13 and four days later, her garage was full of useful gifts for the veterans, many of whom fought in Vietnam and many of whom are homeless. By Dec. 19, everything was picked up, wrapped and delivered to the VA in time for Christmas. “I can’t even get my laundry done that fast,” Boylan quipped.

A number of the gifts came from Sandel Center seniors, members of its Silver Needle committee, who donated beautiful hand made hats, scarves and blankets, said Boylan, and she said she wanted to send a special note of thanks to them.

“Your response [in] helping the veterans at the Northport VA hospital in time for Christmas was overwhelmingly generous,” Boylan wrote to those who donated. “Our garage was full. Everything was taken by the vets and truly appreciated. Over 300 veterans showed up at the VA hospital on Christmas Day, and felt truly blessed with your beautiful and much needed donations. Many were Vietnam veterans who still feel the pain of the disrespect they received when they returned home over 30 years ago” she added. “Never again. They are now fully aware of the friends they have in Rockville Centre.”

Boylan said Spinner organized this on her own after receiving a request from a friend of hers at the hospital. She and her family spent Christmas Day with the veterans celebrating, and giving thanks for all the items kindly and generously donated by so many people.