The Veterans Gift Shop Window is ready for donations at the Mosier's Home Furnishings in John Day. All gifts will help veterans at Portland Veterans Administration Medical Center “shop” for their families this Christmas. Donations will be accepted during store hours and until noon on Saturday, Nov. 14.

JOHN DAY – People can help veterans with their holiday shopping Nov. 2-14 by bringing unwrapped gifts to Mosier’s Home Furnishings, 101 E. Main St., in John Day.

The Veterans Gift Shop project provides items which will go to a “store” at the Portland Veterans Administration Medical Center. Veterans at the hospital, many of whom have little or no income, are then able to “shop” for free gifts for their families.

Ruth Harris of John Day, who is president of the American Legion Auxiliary’s Ellis Tracy Unit, said she has been involved with the gift shop window for at least 15 years.

“It’s our way of giving back,” she said. “They get to shop for their families and can pick out one gift for each of the people on their list.”

Harris had a few suggestions for items to donate: warms gloves, flannel shirts, pajamas for teens, small appliances, handheld games, towel sets.

Gifts from local stores will be purchased with any monetary donations.

Auxiliary members help pack up the items on Saturday, Nov. 14, so any donations for this day need to be handed in by noon.

“I’d like to thank Mosier’s for donating the window space, and for those who transport the gifts to Portland for us,” Harris said.

She added veterans in local care facilities will receive Christmas gift bags courtesy of the Auxiliary this season.