Patients arrive at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center daily thinking they are there for a routine examination, only to be told they must stay overnight for additional observation and testing. These events often lead to frustration on the part of the veterans as they are unprepared.

 

Thanks to the Harrison County Community Educational Outreach Service organization, a lot of those frustrations have been alleviated. Donations of personal hygiene, comfort, and entertainment items have been offered up by the clubs comprising this century-old organization as part of their community service efforts in celebration of the state’s CEOS Week.

 

This particular community service donation has been a part of the clubs’ commitment to the veterans for more than 10 years. The project began as a way of saying “Thank you” to the men and women who served their country in the military.

 

Many of the CEOS members have fathers, sons, daughters and other loved one who served in the armed forces.

 

“It’s one way, a small way, to thank the veterans for their service,” said Harrison County CEOS president Karen Blocker. “We appreciate all of the things that the veterans have done for us.”

 

Several of the donated items were given specifically to help homeless veterans in the community, and those making the transition into housing. Several hundred dollars’ worth of items were collected and turned over to the VA hospital’s Volunteer Services department.

 

The Harrison County CEOS organization is made up of 18 clubs and about 300 members scattered throughout the county. The CEOS is part of the programming sponsored by the West Virginia University Extension Service. To join a club or for more information about the CEOS, contact the Harrison County office at 304-624-8650.

 

The programs and activities offered by the WVU Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, and marital or family status. When registering for these programs, please designate special access or dietary needs three weeks prior. The information given herein is supplied with the   understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is implied.

 

Editor’s Note: The Harrison County Community Educational Outreach Service organization donated several hundred dollars’ worth of personal care, hygiene, and comfort items to the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center as part of its community service project during the state’s CEOS Week. From left are HC CEOS president Karen Blocker, Trinity CEOS president Sharen Robinson, Voluntary Services Assistant Krieg Pruett, and Sardis CEOS secretary Scott Blocker.