WESTFIELD – Imagine the men and women who have served our country now being in need of everyday necessities. Now, there is an effort to help improve the quality of life for veterans living in the Pioneer Valley.
South Middle School students involved in the QUEST Program are helping veterans at the Holyoke Soldiers Home.
The students are looking to collect and donate items, from clothing and shoes of all sizes, to tissues, toothpaste, and other everyday essentials for the vets.
Prior to organizing this effort, QUEST students, with the assistance of their Peer Leadership club, had discussions on possible service projects in Westfield and neighboring communities. Many students expressed their admiration for the military and this sparked their interest in creating a donation drive.
These students, ranging from sixth to seventh graders, originally thought of donating to soldiers overseas, but in the end wanted to support a local cause. By choosing the Soldier’s Home in Holyoke, the students not only get to make a donation, but are also given the opportunity to meet the veterans themselves. After the drive, the students will be taking a field trip to the Soldiers Home to personally deliver the donations and introduce themselves to some of the veterans living there.
The QUEST Program is for students with high functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome who receive help with developing social skills and social interaction.
“We’re here for support,” said teacher Lisa Asta-Ferrero who is leading the program. “We work with the kids and not two of them are alike. The program exposes them to people they don’t know and gives them an opportunity to work on eye contact, body language and starting conversations.”
“The students will be able to make a connection and be more aware of things outside Westfield,” Asta-Ferrero said. “They’ll be able to understand things are different than what’s depicted in video games by the real faces who have been through war.”
In addition to clothing and shoes, students are also looking for other items such as sunscreen, reading glasses, large print books and magazines. The QUEST program is currently accepting donations at South Middle School on West Silver Street.
The donations will be going to the approximately 300 veterans who currently reside at the Soldiers Home. The facility provides the vets with an affordable option for long term medical care, all in one location.
“What separates us from other homes is that we have a sense of comradery,” said Communications Directer John Paradis. “These vets belong to the commonality that they all served our country.”
“During the holidays most recently we saw a spike in donations,” Paradis said. “We want to encourage others to keep the veterans in mind throughout the year. After the holidays is a good time to give.”
The Soldiers Home is grateful for all kinds of donations, but what is especially treasured is voluntary service. People can gain a greater appreciation and knowledge from these veterans who have had first-hand experiences in historical events during World War II, from landing in Normandy on D-Day to fighting in combat in Iwo Jima.
“Veterans look forward to visitors especially young people,” said Paradis. “You can’t just teach with a book. Volunteering is the best way to give back. It offers companionship and it’s free and priceless. Time is invaluable.”
The QUEST program’s effort caught the attention of MoFroYo Frozen Yogurt owner Todd Cieplinksi and he decided that he wanted to help. After being presented to the program, Cieplinski was more than happy to place a second donation box at his business located on East Main Street. Like some of the other students, Cieplinski also has an interest in the military.
“I have family members that served, back to my father and grandfather, and my brother was in the army,” he said. “I am a patriot at heart when it comes to supporting our heroes.”
The donation drives at both South Middle School and MoFroYo will run until Friday.
“There’s so much on the list we’ll take anything and everything,” Cieplinksi said. “We want the maximize the time that the public has the oppurtuntiy to donate.”
