A few weeks ago, I had one of the most fulfilling and memorable experiences of my life. I went with a group of Red Cross staff and volunteers to deliver gifts to veterans at John Cochran Veterans Hospital. Giving these individuals who served our country a small gift was extremely rewarding. Their faces lit up as they received their gifts.  Everyone was so appreciative and thanked us sincerely.  I can only hope for the same experience as we prepare to deliver holiday gifts to both John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks veteran hospitals next week. Hopefully we will bring a smile to their faces all over again.
 
It is experiences like this that help me know I made the right decision to work for AmeriCorps.  This past week Angela, who is a fellow AmeriCorps member, and myself were in charge of getting the holiday gifts for veterans at both Jefferson Barracks and John Cochran hospitals, courtesy of the American Red Cross.  Overall, we had to buy for nearly 300 veterans!  It was a lot of work searching for different stores and making sure we had enough of everything.  However, all of that work was more than worth it. We continually thought of the end result and this realization kept our spirits up.  I’m sure it will be just as much, if not even more of a reward for me than it will the veterans by getting to see the looks of joy and excitement on their faces as they receive their gifts.  We will be distributing these gifts on December 17th and I’m really looking forward to the experiences on that day! 
 
Until next time…
Danae’
 
Danae’ Dimmick is an AmeriCorps National Preparedness and Response Corps member for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter.