Spreading holiday cheer

COEUR d'ALENE — Disabled American Veterans Fort Sherman Chapter No. 9 Commander Bob Hunt spends the days before Christmas weaving through mazes of packages waiting to be wrapped and delivered.

"We don't have a house until Christmas," he said. "My front room is just filled with tables covered with toys."

But Hunt wouldn't have it any other way. Every Christmas, members of his chapter round up collections of toys, gift cards, food and other donations to give to disabled vets and their families to make their holiday season bright.

"We’ve always given a whole slew of Christmas presents," Hunt said. "We're big softies. We've been given a lot. We live a good life and we want to share some of it."

Hunt said Chapter No. 9's Christmas project, which has happened for at least 10 years, costs anywhere from $14,000-$18,000 to do whatever it can to help disabled vets in need as well as their families. He said the chapter assists wherever it can, whether it's helping a family with a heating system gone haywire or providing comfort and support for a young couple with an infant in need of brain surgery.

"We'll handle Christmas for them," Hunt said.

This year, the chapter made arrangements for several families to enjoy The Coeur d'Alene Resort's Journey to the North Pole Christmas Cruise and a nice meal at Dockside for a special night together.

"The women are all ecstatic," Hunt said. "If you're living in a little house in Spirit Lake and you have a leak in your roof and you have three little kids, you're not going to be having dinner at Dockside. It's a big thrill for them."

The 501(c)(4) Veterans Charitable Organization collects tax-deductible donations all year, but right now, at Christmas, it is still in need of some items to check off its list. Hunt said stuffed animals and board games such as chess and checkers are among needed items, as well items for teenage girls — nail polish, hair brushes, straighteners, curlers and other hair tools and accessories.

Hunt said the group has joined forces with the Knights of Columbus, Blue Star Mothers and others to be sure there were appropriate gifts for different age groups, but donations from the community are really how everything comes together. Last year, the groups' efforts helped 26 families and 73 children.

"The public gives us the wherewithal to do this," he said. "If somebody gives us $100, it's not going back East to some CEO. It’s staying right here."

The DAV is composed of veterans who have been wounded, gassed or injured in time of war. Those who donate will receive a letterhead receipt for their donations. Please write your check to DAV Chapter 9 and mail it to: Robert B. Hunt, QMC, USN (Ret.), Fort Sherman Chapter 9 DAV, 2536 W. Falling Star Loop, Post Falls, Idaho 83854.

The Christmas project will culminate with a giftwrapping event at 1:30 p.m. at St. George Catholic Church, 2010 N. Lucas St., in Post Falls on Sunday.

Info: 773-1074