Fort Valley teen shows appreciation for veterans
Amelia makes hygiene care packages and cards for veterans. She said it lifts the spirits of patients at the Carl Vinson VA Hospital in Dublin.
“These veterans don’t really get that much attention. So, just getting a toothbrush or a packet of tissues… that means an absolute lot to them,” explained Amelia.
Operation: Veteran Smiles started as a project with the 4-H club in 2012.
She quickly turned it into something more after she saw how much her gifts meant to those people who served out country.
“When I’ve delivered them… actually a couple of them have started crying. I’ve never seen someone cry so much over a tooth brush,” said Amelia.
Amelia credits her inspiration to her father, a former marine who served in the Persian Gulf War.
She tries to have three deliveries a year, usually around the holidays and summer time. She has delivered more than 250 care packages and 500 cards to veterans.
In the future, Amelia hopes to expand Operation: Veteran Smiles to service veteran hospitals all across the state.
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