Schools
Good Counsel Compiles Easter Goodies for Veterans [PHOTOS]
Veterans at the VA hospital in Montrose received 150 baskets from the academy's elementary school students
Local veterans received an Easter surprise this week from students at in White Plains. Students made more than 150 Easter baskets, bags and cards for veterans at the VA Medical Center in Montrose.
“All in all, it’s a great project to be involved in,” said Alison Bergman, GCA’s librarian and GCA Angels club advisor. “It’s nice to know that the efforts of these children will make a veteran's day a bit brighter come this Sunday.”
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The GCA Angels service club started the task of making baskets and filling them with plastic eggs, chocolate and heart-felt notes of thanks and holiday well-wishes.
"I joined the [GCA Angels] because I know we would do good things together," said 6-year-old Aviva DiPaolo, a GCA first grader who lives in Yonkers. "I made the Easter baskets because I knew that the veterans woud like it from their hearts."
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After knocking out 50 baskets in a week, the GCA Angels knew they would need a little help. Their fellow classmates were happy to answer the call and help fill Easter eggs and decorate baskets.
"My favorite part was working as a team with my friends," said Aviva. "it is important to do this for veterans because they fought for us and they are in the hosptial all alone."
Check out our photo gallery to see all the fun that was had.
“They [the veterans] truly love it,” said Yvette Rodriguez, program manager for volunteering service at the VA Medical Center in Montrose. “You could see it in their eyes how much they appreciate that people take the time to do this for them. They are more than grateful.”
Rodriguez applauded the schools for taking the time to teach children early on about veterans and what they’ve done to protect the country.
“Being in my position you get to see all the rewards and everything people do [for veterans],” said Rodriguez. “It’s truly unbelievable. Even with today’s economy people are giving. It’s been an amazing year.”
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