Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Disabled American Veterans. There are DAV bins at Herberger’s, MarketPlace Foods and the C Store on Margaretha Avenue in Albert Lea and in Alden, Glenville and Freeborn.

I’m very proud of what the DAV does in Albert Lea. Larry Weigel, Dean Hove, Jim Cummings and Tom Neyers delivered the latest DAV load to Rochester. It was full! The items delivered weighed in at 6,200 pounds. Clothes, shoes, small household items and appliances, books, games, etc. are sold at a warehouse in Rochester. The DAV received a check for a little over $1,200 for that delivery. This money is used to purchase medical equipment and helps cover the cost of its repair and upkeep. The medical equipment goes to any family in need at no cost. Hospital beds, commodes, walkers, wheel chairs, etc. The DAV delivers and picks up when the family is done using the equipment. Money is provided for scholarships to students who are entering the medical field. Money is also donated to various organizations. The DAV, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Alden American Legion recently donated new flags to the Albert Lea ski club for their opening ceremony at their ski shows.

The DAV here has recently partnered with Family Alliance for Veterans of America in Forest City, Iowa. FAVA’s mission is to provide information, education, advocacy and support to families of veterans and veterans. To learn more about FAVA, check the website: www.fava.westcare.com. It’s amazing what they do for our vets!

Having said this, I’d like to give everyone advice about their donations. Please! Help the DAV people who empty the bins weekly. Bag and secure your donations. “Thank you for your quality donations” means just that. The DAV does not appreciate filthy clothes, dirty underwear, broken furniture or garbage. And, please! Loose, sharp knives are dangerous!

Coreen Johnson

Albert Lea