This April, I had the opportunity to deliver our donations to the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Center. The Baltimore VA Center serves as a critical institution, providing essential care and treatment for our nation’s veterans. The focus of our delivery was on heart pillows and lap blankets, items that offer much-needed comfort and support to the patients during their stay at the hospital.
When we arrived at the VA Center, we unloaded piles and packages filled to the brim with our donations. As we carried the bundles of heart pillows and lap blankets into the hospital, piling them on top of each other, we were greeted by the nurses and Mr. David Sevinsky, the Voluntary Services Specialist. They graciously thanked us for our donations and guided us through the hospital.
The sheer volume of donations surprised both the nurses and me. The sight of our combined donations overflowing the carts and piling on top of each other gave a sense of fulfillment. Through each stitch, cut of fabric, and a handful of stuffing, our hard work created piles and piles of valuable donations that were not only a symbol of care and compassion but our gratitude toward our veterans.
This delivery to the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Center donated over 500 heart pillows, 158 lap blankets, 31 handmade letters. Each one of these was equally important in helping our deserving veterans at their times of greatest need.
My visit to the Baltimore VA Center put into perspective the impact of our work. As I conversed with the nurses, they enthusiastically expressed how invaluable these items would be, and reemphasized their gratitude. The nurses’ genuine appreciation was incredibly humbling. Leaving the VA Center that day, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and an overwhelming desire to continue making a difference in the lives of others.
As I continue to volunteer with HSFL, this experience will continue to remind me of the importance of our work. The contributions and donations we make to patients and front liners are invaluable and incredibly significant.
Written by Alvin Lee
April 8th, 2023