For the past 20-some years, with a break only during the pandemic, VFW Post 2498 has hosted a holiday party for paralyzed veterans in the area. On Dec. 11, the community came together again to bring 32 in-patient veterans from the Brockton and West Roxbury VA medical centers to Needham.
The idea began when the post had several WWII and Korean War veterans who wanted to do something for their fellow servicemen and women, said post chaplain Tom Keating. They designed the event to bring otherwise hospital-bound veterans out for a night of food and games. This year, for the first time, ambulatory in-patients were also invited to attend.
The evening began with dinner and socializing, then the tables were cleared and the cards came out. Everyone was given chips — Keating is clear that no money is at play — and at the end of the night, the top three chip holders won prizes.
Keating said it is a true community event with area high school students volunteering to serve, Needham and Fidelity banks contributing funds and gifts, Chili Bears donating prizes, Sudbury Farms providing food and the Women’s Club bringing the centerpieces.
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