Last Saturday, Nov. 22, YMCA Volunteers filled and delivered 220 gift bags to the residents of the California Veterans Home on the VA property in Westwood. Sponsored by Susan Montgomery of Sotheby’s Realty, the group from the Palisades was a coalition of organizations including the Rotary Club, Optimist Club, Palisades High and Harvard Westlake High School students, and local residents.
“The YMCA is dedicated to strengthening our community through social responsibility, and this project is a part of the Y’s efforts to help everyone ‘Know Your Neighbor,’” said YMCA Executive Director Carol Pfannkuche. “We consider the residents of the CalVet home to be our elder neighbors to the east. They enjoyed the gifts but, even more, enjoyed visiting with volunteers.”
The CalVet home opened in 2010, and serves veterans who are California residents, 55 years or older (or younger if disabled) and served honorably. The home provides assisted living for those who require minimal assistance, and also skilled nursing for vets who need 24-hour care.
Committee members who planned the event and collected items for the gift bags were: Andrea Bostick, Pam Douglas, Cameron Brown, Rachel Davis, Helen Levin, Dr. Mike Martini and Susan Montgomery. Special assistance was provided by Bentons the Sport Shop, Marie Steckmest of Palisades Cares, the American Legion Palisades Post #283, and its Auxiliary and members Ruth Hackney, Eddie and Lou Cozolino. Donations for the gift bags were given by Margaret Biles, Dr. Bill Francis, Keren Perlmutter, Dr. Gary Salenger, Dr. Brad Seto, John Wilson, Dr. Scott Warner, Sound Body Sound Mind Foundation, Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church and school, Palisades Optimist Club and Rotary Club of Pacific Palisades.
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