February party “enjoyable and meaningful”
by Melanie Jongsma
MANTENO, Ill. (February 13, 2019) – Volunteers and Scouts from Pack 526, Troop 276, and new Troop 219 traveled to Manteno earlier this week and held a party at the Manteno Veterans Home. “It was an enjoyable and meaningful afternoon for the residents,” said Chuck Murach, one of the Scout Leaders of Boy Scout Troop 276, “especially since they have been even more confined than usual due to the cold weather.”
The Scouts escorted the vets from their rooms to the community room, where the Scouts held a flag ceremony and made a formal posting of the colors. Troop musicians played the National Anthem and Taps for the group, who expressed appreciation for the ceremony.
The party also included food, snacks, drinks, and desserts. Cookies and buns were donated by Calumet Bakery (18349 Torrence Avenue, Lansing, Illinois), and Sloppy Joes were donated by JJ Kelley’s (2455 Bernice Road, Lansing).
Serving the food gave Scouts an opportunity to chat with each vet and thank them all for their service. Scouts also brought donations of toiletries, socks, books, games, and chocolate bars to leave with the residents.
The Manteno Veterans Home is located at 1 Veteran’s Drive in Manteno, Illinois, and is home to more than 100 veterans.
