Every year since its charter in 2014, Post 178 has gathered and delivered Christmas gifts to the veterans at the Clyde M. Cooper Veterans Home in Bonham, Texas (53 miles northeast of Frisco). As in past years, the Legion and Auxiliary provided gifts, cookies and donations to the more than 100 women and men veterans for their 2020 Christmas.

Seventeen boxes of items such as food, blankets, hygiene items, games, puzzles and candy were donated by students at Oak Point Elementary in Little Elm, Texas, which was organized by Jill Harrer, the special education teacher to kindergarten and 4th grade students. Post 178 and its members also donated more than $2,400 to assist in purchasing items that the veterans themselves identified. Staff members were also remembered with homemade cookies. All donations were delivered on Dec. 11 by veteran members Tim Schmidt and Marty Martel.

Nancy Levraga, activity director, recently emailed Post 178 saying, “We are trying to be good stewards of the blessing American Legion Post 178 has bestowed on us.” She shared that the residents voted to buy next-year subscriptions to the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Times magazines. Also purchased was an indoor/outdoor 14-foot movie screen to watch movies, and a Netflix subscription for both their memory care and activity rooms. The veterans also voted to purchase a basketball goal, basketballs and footballs. Levraga closed by saying, “Thank you for choosing our Clyde W. Cooper veterans. As you have not forgotten us, we will never forget your generosity and thoughtfulness.”

Earlier in 2020, Post 178 also donated three iPads so residents could FaceTime their families and play games. Post 178 and Auxiliary Unit 178 are honored to have made Christmas a little brighter for the veterans at the Clyde W. Cooper Texas State Veterans Home.