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MARQUETTE -- Items used every day can be taken for granted sometimes.
But for people who don't have the means or mobility to go out and purchase things they need, those everyday things can seem all the more precious.
That's why Michigan Veteran Homes published a wish list for each facility in the state detailing personal care products and other things that residents need.
"Michiganders who fought and sacrificed for our freedom deserve our gratitude and support during the holidays," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "For the more than 300 veterans living at state veteran homes in Chesterfield Township, Grand Rapids, and Marquette … a gift from their wish list makes a real difference in their lives and lets them know they are not forgotten. Let's continue working together to make sure our veterans and their families feel our support around the holidays."
D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans is lookng for in-kind donations of personal care items, Velcro shoes, Forever stamps, 2024 wall calendars and Marq-Tran bus tickets.
Organizers are specifically asking for high quality disposable razors, 3-in-1 shampoo/conditioner/body wash, high quality lotion, dry shampoo, men's body spray and sensitive skin aftershave lotion.
"The wish list donations at Christmastime are important because we use the items that are donated throughout the year and they are like extra special items…. They're personal to the member," said MVHDJJ activity manager Sheri Smith. "We're giving them the best of the best, basically. Sometimes they don't have family members to purchase those extra special items for them, so this is a way the community can give back and get specifically what the members can utilize."
There are also entertainment and other miscellaneous items that could be helpful.
They include large-face watches with extra-large stretchy bands and wide shoes with velcro straps and nonskid soles.
Sizes and other specifics can be obtained by calling Smith or visiting the Amazon Wish List website.
"We make welcome baskets out of the products that are donated," Smith said. "So when a new member comes, they get this little basket in their room that has the special body wash, that has their name on it, extra shampoo, 3-in-1 … and they feel really special."
The home emphasized that all personal care items must be new with the package unopened.
Organizers say they cannot accept DVDs, CDs, magazines, books, puzzles, hats, socks, gloves, greeting cards, blankets of any size, clothing protectors, any used clothing, medical equipment or supplies or items not previously mentioned.
Donation items should be brought to the home's main entrance. For more information or to coordinate a time to drop off in-kind donations, contact the MVHDJJ at 906-226-3576, ext: 2520300.
The veteran's home is also accepting monetary donations for its charitable support fund, which is used to improve the quality of life of veteran members while they are in the facility.
Monetary donations can be made at https://bit.ly/SupportMVH. Checks can be written to MVHDJJ and mailed to 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855. When writing a check, donors are asked to write Charitable Support Fund in the memo section of the check.
"We appreciate everybody and the donations and it just makes us more of a home for the members and we are known out there in the community for being amazing," Smith said. "A lot is due to the home itself, but also how the community supports us. It's just phenomenal."
Updated wish list items and donation tips may be viewed online at https://bit.ly/MVHDJJHolidayWishList23. You can also direct ship requested items from the home's Amazon Wish List at https://a.co/8yGuv4w.
"It just makes them feel special (when they get the gifts)," Smith said. "They get a big smile on their face."
Alexandria Bournonville can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 506. Her email address is abournonville@miningjournal.net.