The halls of the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System Community Living Center filled with cheer recently as Santa Claus made his rounds, not just for the holiday, but as part of a new year-round initiative designed to brighten the days of veterans in the CLC and Hospice units.
The program, Santa Salutes, is the first of its kind in VA and was launched by the WPBVAHCS earlier this year. The monthly visits feature Santa, his elves and bags of gifts delivered to veterans, many of whom are long-term residents.
“This program is all about hope, joy and gratitude for our veterans,” said Shawn Montgomery, chief of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement. “It’s not just about one day a year. It’s about showing our veterans that they are remembered and appreciated every month.”…