RAPID CITY, S.D. — Local veterans received a sweet surprise from Boy Scout Troop 88 who put together packages and distributed them Saturday morning.
Across town at Black Hills Harley-Davidson, a raffle was held to raise funds for those same veterans.
In what started out as an early morning for members of Boy Scout Troop 88, ended as sweet day for local veterans.
The troop, along with veterans at Disabled American Veterans, or DAV, in Rapid City put together 40 bags for older veterans.
It started as an annual event four years ago that goes hand-in-hand with DAV’s ways of giving back.
The goods are appreciated but the conversation among a younger generation and veterans is where the connection is.
“Some candy, some cookies, puzzle books, just something to give the older veterans something to do,” said Christine Speirs, Public Information Officer, Chapter Three DAV. “They’re doing community service. It helps it shows the veterans that there are younger kids that are interested in helping them. The kids talk to the veterans and the veterans enjoy talking to them about their time in.”
Shortly after the bags were distributed, DAV held a raffle fundraiser at Black Hills Harley-Davidson where it sold tickets for three handmade quilts and a shotgun.
They’re raising funds for the chapter in Hot Springs.
“Every month our chapter, we spend about $300 buying items for the veterans down in Hot Springs,” said Christine. “And it’s not just for the veterans themselves, it’s also for their spouses. If they are hospitalized and so a little bit does go a long way, but it’s always needed because we always have the veterans, there’s always going to be a veteran. And there’s always going to be veterans in need.”
DAV says that they’ll be at Black Hills Harley-Davidson again next week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the same raffle event that was held Saturday.
For more information on what you can donate to help you can donate shirts, pants, shoes and new socks and underwear at 101 E. East Madison, which is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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