Members of the DAR Jefferson Davis Chapter donated items to the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Mountain Home, Tenn.
The United Daughters of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis Chapter # 900 donated items to the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Mountain Home, Tenn. The National Soldiers home was approved by an Act of Congress in 1901.
The home for disabled volunteer soldiers was created through the work of Tennessee Congressman Walter P. Bronlow. Known locally as Mountain Home, the original site comprised 447 acres and opened in 1903. Peak enrollment reached over 2,500 Civil War, and Spanish-American War Veterans. In 1930 the National Soldiers’ Home system became part of the Veterans Administration.
After a year long project, items donated to the Veterans Home totaled approximately $950. Items consisted of sweat pants, shirts, puzzles, books, crafts, games, socks and backpacks. Personal hygiene items were also donated. The veterans staff was especially excited to receive the sweat pants and shirts, socks and backpacks. They said that sometimes all the veterans have to wear is a hospital gown.
Presenting the items were Linda Ballew, Lisa Pritchett and Peggy Morrison. Members also visited the Veterans Memorial Park on the grounds.
The Chapter is currently collecting items for this year. For more information on the Daughters of the Confederacy visit www.facebook.com/udcjeffersondavischapter900 or www.udcjeffersondavischapter900.com.