Warming the Hearts and Hands of Veterans on Valentine's Day

Our Valentines for Veterans drive culminated on February 14 as more than 300 gloves, hats, and scarves were distributed, along with several bags of candy and homemade valentines, to veterans living in our supportive housing residences across the city. Thank you to all of our corporate and community groups who participated in the collection and put such beautiful, personalized touches on the cards!

On Valentine's Day, volunteers from Deloitte and UnitedHealthcare visited East 119th Street Veterans Residence to personally hand out the items they collected, and spend some time celebrating with residents. 

"I saw the Valentine's for Veterans drive on Facebook, and it really touched me," said Jeannette Bisono, a volunteer from UnitedHealthcare. "I asked my family, friends, and coworkers to get involved, and the outpouring of support was amazing! And to be able to give the gloves and hats out in person was really wonderful."

While at the event, Jeannette met Robert, a U.S. Army veteran, who celebrates the anniversary of beginning his military service on Valentine's Day, and was delighted to pick out a pair of gloves from the pile. Another veteran, Tim, stayed and chatted with several of the volunteers.

"Events like these give a real sense of family for some of us who don't have anyone nearby or aren't connected with family," Tim said.

"We realize that veterans are an important part of our community, so we make it a point to reach out in support," added Doren Strachan, a volunteer from Deloitte. "Valentine's Day isn't just about romantic love, it's about all kinds of love."

Thank you to our donors from Bare Necessities, Cushman & Wakefield, Deloitte, JetBlue, JumpCrew, JW Player, Lexis Nexis, Magnusson Architecture and Planning, Marriott East Side, Ritz Carlton New York, UnitedHealthcare, Visit.org, and Voray. Respect for each person we serve at Volunteers of America-Greater New York is our top priority, and it's gratifying when our corporate and other community partners understand that, and pitch in to help. Your thoughtfulness lets our veterans know that we care about them!