LANCASTER – Everything from canned foods and snacks to DVDs and playing cards crammed the conference table at the High Desert Medical Group Wednesday. The supplies and personal care items were donated by HDMG employees to give to the men and women serving in the military overseas.
“What is in front of us represents the support that the High Desert Medical Group is showing to the veterans,” said Donald Parazo, M.D., Associate Medical Director at HDMG. “It represents what our organization thinks about veterans all around our country and in our community.”
Parazo joined veterans that work at HDMG in presenting the supplies, as well as a monetary donation, to the Antelope Valley Blue Star Mothers Wednesday.
The items will be used to put together care packages for men and women serving in the military overseas.
“On behalf of the Blue Star Mothers and the troops that are currently deployed, we really appreciate High Desert Medical Group gathering all these items so we can continue to send out care packages,” said Susan Hahn, President of the AV Blue Star Mothers. “We just sent out packages for the holidays and we will be sending out more. We have been getting an overwhelming response from the troops saying ‘thank you very much for not forgetting us,’ and it’s bringing them a little something from home and they’re really, really appreciating it.”
To illustrate the appreciation they’ve received, Hahn read a letter from Marine Corps Lance Cpl Brown thanking the Blue Star Mothers.
“You may or may not know this, but your item donations, such as trail mix, crackers, body wash, and candy go a long way in reminding us that people care and it gives us things to look forward to. Again, I just want to say thank you,” an excerpt from the letter reads.
Hahn said Wednesday’s donation will enable the AV Blue Star Mothers to put together about 25-30 care packages to send to the troops.
To learn more about the AV Blue Star Mothers, or to find out how to donate, visit avbluestarmothers.com.
