Serving Our Community
AEL Spring 2010 Serivce Focus: Veteran's Memorial Home in Vineland, NJ
The idea of a veterans home in the United States originated in the philanthropic mind of New Jersey Governor Marcus L. Ward, who had great concern for the sick and wounded soldiers of the Civil War. He believed that the commitment and obligation of the state and its citizens to those veterans did not end just because the war was over.
With the dedication of the New Jersey Soldiers' Home in Newark in 1866, a proud tradition began - a tradition of concern for and commitment to the veterans of New Jersey. Since that time, New Jersey has remained in the forefront in providing the finest in residential and skilled nursing care for our veterans and in responding and adapting to their changing health care needs.
The Vineland location is the state's oldest operating veterans home, having opened in 1899. It has provided residential and long-term care to New Jersey veterans of every war and armed conflict since the War of 1812. Newly rebuild in 2005, this state-of-the-art nursing home serves 300 residents. The facility has a large, shaded outdoor recreation area that features a wheelchair accessible, 9-hole miniature golf course. The home is conveniently located off Route 47 (Delsea Drive) in Cumberland County.
The AEL volunteer project with the veterans home is set for Sunday, May 2nd from 10 am to 12pm - it will be a tea and cookie social with the residents - they provide the tea, we provide the cookies. We will also be accepting checks to the veterans home for members who want to contribute but can not attend the event. The checks should be written to the veterans home and the memo should include the intended area they want the money used for - e.g. activities dept. We would like as many members as possible to attend the event on May 2nd.
AEL is participating in VMH's Volunteer Program
The homes are visited regularly by various veterans and civic organizations and individual volunteers who provide the residents with companionship, gifts, parties, bus trips, entertainment, games and other recreational activities. To volunteer at any of the homes, contact the volunteer coordinator at the facility.
Your kindness and support will be heartfelt by the residents of the Veteran's Memorial Home. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Prior Successes in Service of Others in Need
- In Fall of 2009 members supported Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. Girls Inc. is a nonprofit organization that serves a wonderful purpose in our local communities, inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold. Alpha Epsilon Lambda was proud to show its support of Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey—and all of the girls whose lives it has touched—through monetary donations made to the organization.
- The 2008-2009 members donated preschool books for Rowan’s preschool program and teen entertainment and sporting items for homeless teens through Family Promise organization. We also gathered donations—either monetary or in the form of requested supplies—for St. Joseph’s Indian School in South Dakota were collectively and directly shipped to the midwest school. Thank you all for your generous support.
- The 2007-2008 members contributed new toys, clothing, games, books and other gifts to the Robins Nest 2007 Santa's Workshop that was held on December 17, 18, and 19, 2007. During the spring semester, 217 baby items were collected at the spring meeting and banquet and were delivered to Robins Nest. Thank you for your support!
- The 2006-2007 members collected over 500 DVDs for the servicemen/women and their families and assembled approximately 150 gift baskets for premature babies for the March of Dimes. THANK YOU!
- The 2005-2006 members collected and donated $1200 in checks and gift cards for the Samaritan House, Glassboro, NJ. THANK YOU!
Important: Each active AEL member must participate in at least one service project per academic year.
To receive notice of activities and reminders via email, our members can join the AEL Yahoo! group by visiting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RowanAlphaEpsilonLambda
