The Junior Woman's Club of Jefferson Township (JWCJT) began a new community service initiative this past Valentine's Day.  The ‘Valentines for Vets' project resulted from brainstorming discussions on causes which the JWCJT may not have addressed but could greatly benefit from our volunteer efforts.  Thus, my colleague Pam Tucker and I visited the US Veterans Hospital, located at 385 Tremont Ave, East Orange this past Valentine's Day and were met by Crystal Grace, Voluntary Service Specialist.

Ms. Grace gave us an overview of what the Vets need most.  Books are great, but they should NOT be war or violence related.  Some of these guys get flashbacks and the triggers are painful.  Books or reading material should be PG rated at the most. Large print books are like gold to these guys!  Some have deteriorating vision and can't read the tiny print most books have.

We thought we would be just dropping off valentines at each nurse's station and leaving. It turned out to be ultimately more rewarding to get face-to-face with the vets and really relate to them as grateful citizens and friends.  Let them know we realize that they sacrified so much; let them know we recognize their sacrifice.  We wouldn't have the luxuries we do if it weren't for Americans like them.  This project is immensely rewarding and challenging, and you certainly walk away with a deepened sense of gratitude for what you have.

One of the first gentlemen we met had been in and out of the hospital for 18 years.  He has terminal cancer.  He spoke to us very easily as if we were old friends.  He was comforted by the idea that life here is temporary but he was headed for a better life.  Another man from Montclair, NJ was very spirited and happy to be leaving soon. We offered him slippers that had been donated but then learned he had only one leg and he wanted someone else to get them who could use both of them.

Then we met Mike.  Mike was watching us give the nurses at the station valentines to pass out.  He got involved in the conversation "because he's nosy."  What he had to say was invaluable.  He wouldn't accept anything we were passing out because he felt he had everything he needed in life and was "quite affluent."  Mike has MS but still has use of his left arm and can speak with no challenges.  He was an absolute inspiration.  He was thrilled with the fact he can use his left arm and communicate at will. 

He told us a story to further drive the point that he felt blessed. Mike and his wife had been trying for years to conceive.  He hadn't been feeling well and scheduled a visit to the doctor.  He later learned through tests that he had MS.  When he went home to tell his wife his diagnosis, she had news for him too.  She had woken up that morning and was strongly compelled to open the Bible.  The page she opened up to was Isaiah 54. 

She had been to the doctor herself that morning and found out she was pregnant.  They named their son Matthew, which name means "gift of the Lord."  Matthew's now 14 years old.

Mike told us that many of the Vets have absolutely no one as family and have literally been forgotten.  No one sits and talks to them.  No contact from the outside. Even someone reading a little from the Bible to them would mean so much. 

After we were done with several wards, we decided to regroup at Voluntary Services. Crystal, the service director and Tyrone, could not be more effusive in their appreciation of what the JWCJT sought to do today.  We expressed our interest in coming back and they provided us with a form to complete to ensure our status as regular volunteers. 

The circumstances surrounding the Vets there are all unique.  Many of the Vets who are ailing are homeless.  Some homeless actually take residence IN the hospital and try to live under the radar. 

In all, although it was an emotionally challenging day, we came through feeling like the Vets really appreciated the short time we spent with them.  The JWCJT has adopted this initiative, now known as HUGS FOR HEROES.  We are seeking donations of inspirational books or literature, Reader's Digests', large print books, new blankets, new clothing, slippers, socks, underwear, zip-front sweatshirts, combs, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap, shaving cream, crossword puzzle books.  We will distribute these items personally on a monthly basis.  The HUGS FOR HEROES Project is a monthly ritual, with Juniors visiting the VA Hospital to distribute what we can collect from our community and individual donors. 

If you'd like to support HUGS FOR HEROES in any way or make a donation, please contact me directly at either ascognamiglio@njrealestate.com or via my cell number, 201.240.8699.  Any and all donations are appreciated!

"Antoinette" Scognamiglio (licensed as Maria), Sales Associate, Prudential New Jersey Properties. 64 Diamond Spring Road, Denville, NJ 07834.  Office:  973-625-1870 x105.  Cell:  201-240-8699. 

Are you considering purchasing a home in Morris County?  I specialize in the Morris County, New Jersey marketplace, with expertise in Lakefront property (especially Lake Hopatcong).  Certified by Prudential New Jersey Properties as a relocation specialist, I take exceptional care in assisting my clients in finding their new home and community. 

Please visit my website to learn more about my philosophy in conducting real estate business and to access the resources I offer to buyers and sellers.  My credo is..."The title of REALTOR® should be held with great care or not held at all."  Put your real estate transaction in careful hands.