Gov. Mike Easley today urged North Carolinians to remember our state and nation’s veterans and their families this holiday season, especially those residents in N.C. State Veterans Nursing Homes. One way to do this is to send cards, wish-list gifts or donations to help residents.

“As we recall those we are thankful for during this holiday season, we are particularly grateful for the selfless service of our veterans,” Easley said. “To thank them and respect the sacrifices made by their families, we should do all we can to honor and support our veterans.”

Citizens, organizations and businesses can send cards and make holiday donations to provide cheer to residents at the state veterans nursing homes in Fayetteville and Salisbury. A monetary contribution will be used to give a resident a gift personally selected for them by staff.

The two homes have a wish list for those who would like to contribute specific items. Needs at the sites include magazine racks; sweatpants and sweatshirts (sizes large or extra large); socks; lotion or aftershave; and DVDs or games.

Contributions received through the nonprofit Friends of the N.C. State Veterans Homes are tax deductible. Monetary contributions can be made to:

Friends of N.C. State Veterans Homes, Holiday Cheer
c/o James Woodard, N.C. Division of Veterans Affairs
1315 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1315

Donations may be accompanied by a signed card or given anonymously. The Division of Veterans Affairs in the N.C. Department of Administration administers the 150-bed Fayetteville facility, which opened its doors in 1999, and the 99-bed Salisbury facility, which admitted its first residents in 2004. Wartime veterans receive priority in admission.

For more information on veterans’ programs and benefits in North Carolina, visit the N.C. Division of Veterans Affairs web page at: http://www.ncveterans.net