Dollar General helping to support Veterans Day

BRIDGMAN, Mich. - For 25 years, Bridgman resident and American Legion Auxiliary member Ellen Brown has been part of efforts to help veterans. But for the last two years, she has been able to get the community involved through the Bridgman Dollar General store. 
"This is better because we would like the community involved and know what we are doing for veterans," Brown said. 
The store is supporting donation boxes that will be sent to the Veterans Hospital in Battle Creek at the end of November. Members of the community are encouraged to purchase items from the store that will be set aside for Brown and her husband, Tom, to bring to the hospital at that time. 
Last year, residents from Bridgman and the surrounding communities donated over $500 worth of store items to the hospital.
"I had over three boxes full of items," Brown said. "I am very proud of the hard work and support that our community has done especially in hard times. That's important because the guys up there (at the hospital) don't get a lot."
The public has already filled nearly one box full of books, pens, household and clothing items. Brown hopes to take another three boxes up to the hospital at the end of the month. Store customers are encouraged to purchase from either a table at the entrance of suggested items or anything in the store. 
Dollar General has supported Brown's idea for the last two years. 
"I try to help out as much as I can and when she came up with the idea, I was fine with it," Dollar General store manager Lisa Snerling said. "I have a son in the Navy so when he is old enough to be a veteran, I hope someone will help him out also."
The American Legion contributes money to the hospital on a monthly basis and continues to support an entire ward. 
"Most of the veterans that get up to the hospital do not see anybody after that," Legion member Tate McLaughlin said. 
The Legion had a ceremony to honor veterans at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 11 at Bridgman High School. From there, they had a separate ceremony at the Legion building an hour later. They also had a ceremony last Thursday at the Woodland Terrace nursing home. 

Photo: Bridgman resident and American Legion member Ellen Brown stands between Dollar General store manager Lisa Snerling (left) and American Legion member Tate McLaughlin. The DG is supporting an effort to send as many items as possible to the V.A. Hospital in Battle Creek.