Myself, Daniel Waters and Father Paul Freemesser from the Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 704 attended the annual Christmas drive that is held every year by The Incarcerated Vietnam Veterans Chapter 205 in the Auburn Prison Facility. Also in attendance this year were: The Incarcerated Indian Cultural Group members; two members of the Booker T. Washington Center, Monique and Rebecca; Vietnam Veterans Chapter 20 from Rochester as well as a new group from the VFW from another area.

These men spoke to each and everyone in attendance that have made it possible, yet another year, to help the children, community, elderly, disabled veterans and their families, and yes, even the homeless.

They either sit in their cells or in a class making knitted hats, mittens, scarves, lap blankets for those in need at this time of year when they might otherwise go without. Without the help of our own community of giving used or new yarn throughout the year these men wouldn't be able to help.

They give their time in doing this project not only to benefit all of those in need but for themselves as well.

They thank me for writing letters to The Citizen asking for the community to send them yarn. They thanked Daniel for helping sort the colors and delivering it.

They have been doing this now for nearly 20 years, we were told.

The men try to make a total of at least 205 sets of hats and scarves.

This year, they went over their amount with the help of some of their families.

I asked the men to do something a little different this year, which they were all involved with and proud to do.

They were asked, “Do you think you'd like to make a blanket for the first baby born on Veterans Day in the Vietnam Veterans colors (red, yellow and green)?” One member from their chapter did it, and he made two baby blankets and had sets. One is for the year 2007, unless twins are born.

These men presented a check to the BTW members, Monique and Rebecca, for their annual “Love Dinner” they do each year. The men gave this money from their own personal accounts and were then told, “without this donation BTW would not be able to do this.”

They also presented Sue Norton a small check to help wherever it is needed the most, and it was going to good use; a family that was in need ended up receiving it. Sue thanked the men for their generosity from herself and from her husband, Charley, who wasn't able to attend this year.

Then they presented a check again this year to Casey Park School for the coats program that was started a few years ago.

Due to weather conditions, Principal Price was not present to receive the check; so Daniel accepted it, and took it to Price.

She couldn't believe her eyes. “These men do so much for our children,” she explained to Daniel.

Then the members from Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20 spoke on all the hats, scarves, mittens that they come to receive for two schools in Rochester.

Ron Tripada, a member, told the men in the chapter without these kind donations, most of these children wouldn't be able to walk in the cold or play outside during the winter. These items go to two schools.

A new group, two women, that came will take the lap blankets made and take them to veterans in nursing homes.

“A lot of these veterans have no one to come visit them, so giving them anything at this time of year means so much. We want to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and theirs too,” the two conveyed.

Then The Indian Cultural Group at the Auburn Facility presented the veterans with a special Indian song, which has been handed down in their culture to honor all those that have served. Everyone thanks these two men that performed.

I'd like to wish a Merry Christmas to all of these men - The Incarcerated Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 205, their families and The Incarcerated Indian Culture Group.

Thank you all so much. It means a lot to be able to give these items out from these groups.

Shirley Martinez volunteers with local veterans groups