When you thank a veteran for his or her service, that gratitude should extend beyond that person’s time in the military.
Once they are discharged, many continue to serve their country and their community in a variety of ways.
They host charitable events, meals for families and much more.
Upcoming events include:
Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
VFW Post 8798 Auxiliary will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Dec. 2, from 4 pm. to 6 p.m. For a $10 donation you get spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, dessert and a drink.
Proceeds benefit the 2023 Angel Tree Community FVWA Christmas Party for children.
Kids’ Christmas Party Saturday, Dec. 9, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the VFW Post, 122282 E. SH9 in Eufaula.
Join us for games, snacks and more.
Christmas Dinner
On Dec. 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., VFW Post 8798 Auxiliary will host its annual Christmas Dinner. Bring the family. For more information call 918-6895577. Toy Drive
Eufaula Lake VFW Post 8798 Auxiliary Toy drive.
Help us help others! Check us out on Facebook at Eufaula Auxiliary. Sweats for Vets
Hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities are in need of winter items for veterans. Sweats for Vets, which collects clothing for the needy, is sponsored by VFW Post 8798 Auxiliary.
Donations of new clothing items may be dropped off in the dining hall of the post on SH 9 East by Nov. 30.
New merchandise: Sweat suits, matching, sizes M-XL.
Warm coats, sizes M-XL.
Hats, gloves, socks.
Men’s tennis shoes, sizes 10-13.
Thermal shirts, sizes M-XL.
$25 Walmart Gift Cards.
$25 Quick Trip Gas Cards.
New Year’s Party
Henson and the I-40 Bandits will perform at the VFW’s 2024 New Year Party starting at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31.
For reservations call 918-689-5577.
Bingo Night Debut
Beginning Jan. 8, 2024, the VFW will host Bingo Night every Monday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and games start at 6:15 p.m.
The kitchen will be open.
Recent events at the VFW Thanksgiving Dinner Lake VFW Post 8798 hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We are so thankful for our veterans, our families and our community,” said Post members.
Annual Santa’s Elves’ Workshop The second annual Santa’s Elves’ Workshop was held on Nov. 18 to help suppor veterans and local crafters.
There were a lot of handcrafted items by local people, including assorted crafts, jewelry, baked goods and many Christmas gift ideas.
Fish fry fundraiser
The VFW Post 8798 Auxiliary and L.A.K.e Country Diner held a fish fry fundraiser at the post on SH 9 East Monday, Nov. 13. Donations benefited No Angels Left Behind.
Halloween event for youth
Eufaula Lake VFW Post 8798 Auxiliary hosted its Annual Youth Fall Festival on Oct. 28 There were prizes, snacks, games, crafts and a costume contest.
Other annual events hosted by the VFW:
• Loyalty Days, May 1.
• Memorial Day, May 31; Flag Pole Ceremony & lunch for veterans.
• POW/MIA Remembrance Program, September.
• Veterans Day – Nov. 11, Flag Pole Ceremony and lunch for veterans
• VFW displays flags on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, in front of businesses in Eufaula.
• VFWA donates flags to school children on Veterans day.
• On Veterans Day and Memorial Day, the VFW places flags on Veterans’ graves.
• VFWA provides bereavement meals for veterans and families when asked.
• VFW provides flag disposal for worn flags.
• VFW and VFWA provides patriotic programs to schools on Veterans Day.
• Through various organizations and programs the VFW and VFWA sends care packages to deployed troops.
• Members volunteer at community and city activities.
• Patriotic art and continuing education scholarships can be applied for.
• Provides luncheons for community organization meetings.
• VFWA sends gift donations to Sooner Stand Down in Oklahoma City to support aid to homeless veterans.
• Collect aluminum cans for Veteran programs.
Many veterans never stop serving, even after they are discharged from the military. Veterans with the VFW and VFW Auxiliary members continue to serve their community and their country, hosting many events that benefit the public, from Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas parties and fundraisers for gifts for the needy.