A soft new undershirt or a pair of crew socks might be everyday items for most people, but they can be a luxury for some patients at Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital. The La Grange American Legion Auxiliary is asking community members to help them provide items such as sweatpants or underwear to low-income veterans and will be collecting “comfort items” for Hines VA patients on Sunday, November 13, from 8 am until 12 noon at the Robert E. Coulter, Jr., American Legion Post in La Grange.  

The collection for Hines patients will be held during the La Grange American Legion’s annual pancake breakfast. Items needed include new men’s and women’s underwear, white socks, non-skid slipper socks, sweatpants, and sweatshirts in all adult sizes, but especially sizes large through 3X. Also needed are travel-sized containers of shampoo and conditioner, hand and body lotions, shaving cream and disposable razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, and alcohol-free mouthwash. All donations are tax deductible and receipts will be available. A complete list of items being collected can be found at the Auxiliary’s website at www.coulterpost1941.org. Click on “Auxiliary” and then look under “Announcements.”

Collected items will be distributed through Hines Voluntary Services Department, which provides “comfort items” to any Hines patient who needs them, said Kim Rusiecki, a voluntary service specialist at the VA hospital. “We depend on donations to provide these extras that enhance our ability to care for our veterans,” Rusiecki explained.

The La Grange American Legion is located at 900 South La Grange Road. For more information, phone 708-354-3300. Find the Auxiliary on Facebook at “American Legion Auxiliary La Grange, Illinois.”