Donor Gifts Christmas Dinner to UW Veterans

January 16, 2020

Veterans enjoy dinner together. 

For many, the Christmas season means one thing—bringing families together. But for some, making it home for the holidays can be challenging and in some cases impossible. Whether the reasons are work obligations, cost, or unfortunate weather, being apart from loved ones during the holidays can be difficult.

In the military community, the feeling of being separated from friends and family is all too familiar. And even though it comes with the territory, it doesn’t make it any easier. The holidays can be a lonely time for those who serve.

Laramie resident Mary Winger wanted to give a gift that could make a difference to these veterans this Christmas season.

Donated food on table

On December 23, 2019, several veterans along with their families and guests gathered in the Marna M. Kuehne Foundation Veterans Services Center.

Desks were moved from the main walkway to create space for long tables, enough to seat 30 individuals. There were no paper plates, but instead the tables were set with beautiful dinnerware. Christmas music played overhead as guests helped to decorate the center.

Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, green beans, and pies were provided by Perkins Restaurant and Bakery. Veterans ranging from age 19 to 70 gathered for the Christmas dinner, conversation, and fellowship.

The event was a special moment for both the veterans and the donor. “It was the best Christmas present,” says Winger.

To ensure the gift would provide the greatest investment, Winger gifted the funds on UW Giving Day, an annual tradition held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving—also known as Giving Tuesday. The gift was doubled with matching funds and donated to the Meghan Gable Student Veterans Emergency Assistance Fund, a grant that supports military-connected students in times of need.

Guests expressed their appreciation, commenting on how grateful they were that someone had thought of them at Christmastime, that someone cared enough to consider what their community may need.

“I don’t know who this person is, but she definitely gave me a great gift today,” said Matt, an attending veteran. “I would be home all alone right now if I weren’t here.”

The UW Marna M. Kuehne Foundation Veterans Services Center is a resource and support center open to veterans of all services and their dependents. With UW’s nearly 700 military-connected students, the center helps them connect with other like-minded students and veteran-specific resources. The center is dedicated to “Serving Those Who Served" and believes that all veterans deserve support in their pursuit of a high-quality education.

Thank you notes written on VSC whiteboard.

 

If you are interested in giving back to UW’s veterans and military-connected students, consider making a donation to the Meghan Gable Student Veterans Emergency Assistance Fund. Contact Senior Project Coordinator Marty Martinez at (307) 766-6909 or email mmarti77@uwyo.edu.

 

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