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| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | FEBRUARY 2021 | 7 By Jackie Peterson It all started the day before Veterans Day with Quinn and Candace Hawley, and Jackie Peterson putting up the military tree in The Lodge. We thank Tracie Rodgers who assisted from the beginning by ensuring the tree was up, making the flyers, and supplying us with frames. Thank you to Tim who assisted in the tree set up as well. With the big red box for collection of goods, flyers and directions to assist residents, and the awesome Lodge Attendants who helped each day, we were well on our way. In this COVID-19 year, we really didn't know what to expect. But as usual, our generous residents supported this Veterans Village project until the last day! Many wonderful items were donated that included new linens, new clothing, kitchen appliances and accessories, office supplies, and a few games and puzzles. Thank you to those crafters who donated scarves, hats, etc. Of course, there were many full size hygiene items that were very desirable. Due to people not traveling much this past year, we didn't get as many of those hotels items, but when you're out later this year, be sure to save them for our next endeavor. A special thank you goes out to the Blue Thong Society who put together special gift bags with hygiene items and other treasures. A big thank you also goes out to the many residents who bought gift cards, some getting multiple gift cards. We received more checks this year than last and they were gladly accepted by the U.S. Vets who run Veterans Village. Soboba Foundation blessed us with toys and contributed some gift cards for the children who reside in the one and two bedroom apartments. We also received a generous donation of $250 to buy gift cards from a caring Veteran who enjoys giving back to the Inland Empire Veterans. On Dec. 17 a group from Four Seasons delivered all the wonderful donations in a caravan over to March Air Reserve Base. The staff was delighted, and some of the residents were very interested onlookers. You made the holiday season special for so many. We cannot thank you enough! As a footnote, U.S. Vets is the nation's largest nonprofit provider of comprehensive services to homeless and at-risk veterans. Their mission is "The successful transition of military veterans and their families through the provision of housing, counseling, career development and comprehensive support." Ve terans Village Dri ve is a Huge Succe ss L to R Candace Hawley; Karen and Roy Brennon; Quinn Hawley; Calvin Jackson from U.S. Vets; Karen and Russ Brown; Jackie Peterson L to R Karen Brown; Candace Hawley; Roy and Karen Brennon; Quinn Hawley; Calvin Jackson from U.S. Vets, Jackie Peterson; Russ Brown This is the third housing structure they are currently building.

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