For the eighth consecutive year, the Isaac Hull Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution is coming together to make Christmas a little brighter for the men and women who have served our country.
The local chapter is currently raising funds and collecting supplies to prepare 520 Christmas gift bags for local veterans.
This December, a small army of volunteers will gather to assemble the bags, which will be delivered during Christmas week to veterans in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, VA medical centers, and disabled veterans living at home. The project reaches veterans throughout Salem, Centralia, Alma, Flora, Iuka, Kinmundy, Marion, Odin, Patoka, and Sandoval, as well as VA hospitals and care facilities in Marion, Anna, and St. Louis.
Each festive 12-inch Christmas bag is filled with a thoughtful collection of useful items and little comforts, including warm socks, playing cards, puzzle or word-find books, a small flashlight, magnifier, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, Kleenex, lip balm, cough drops, an ink pen, toothbrush, and a special stress ball printed with the words “Proud Veteran.”
Every bag also includes a Christmas card, a list recognizing the generous donors, and a heartfelt “Thank You for Your Service” card accompanied by an America 250 commemorative lapel pin, recognizing our nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Event co-chairs Jeannell Gaston Charman and Judy Beyers share a passion for making sure our veterans know they are remembered and appreciated, especially during the Christmas season.
“We have a great start on purchasing the items for the gift bags, but we still have several things on our wish list,” said Beyers. “As the saying goes, it takes a village! And this project certainly proves it. From the generous donors who help purchase the supplies to the many helping hands that fill, tie, and deliver the bags, it is truly a community effort.”
Donations of funds or needed supplies are still welcome. Those wishing to contribute DAR Veterans Project may drop off donations to Jeannell Gaston Charman at Salem Travel or mail to Judy Beyers, 2438 Ticklen Road, Odin, IL 62870.
Volunteers who would like to help assemble the gift bags are asked to meet at the Marion County Farm Bureau building on North Broadway in Salem on Monday, December 14 at 4PM sharp. Allow about 90 minutes to complete the project.
