Patients at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa will have something to look forward to this Christmas season, thanks to Blake Stafford, a senior at Plant City High School.
Stafford is organizing a collection of Christmas gifts for veterans. He hopes not only Plant City will jump on board, but also other residents across Hillsborough County.
“I’m doing it mainly because I just absolutely love the veterans, and I think they’re under-appreciated this time of year,” Stafford said.
Stafford and other volunteers will be at Stingray Chevrolet from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, to collect unwrapped items.
There are several other drop-off locations, as well. Plant City’s Winn-Dixie will serve as a drop-off location for donations between Nov. 8 and Dec. 1. Winn-Dixie will be preparing gift bags that customers can purchase at the checkout line throughout the month of November. Stafford is working on securing a drop-off location in Tampa, too. And PCHS students and parents can bring items to the school’s guidance office.
There is a particular veteran who attends Stafford’s church who was part of the inspiration for the project.
“I’ve grown up seeing him all my life,” Stafford said. “I don’t personally know him on a deep level, but I know his name, and I still appreciate what he did.”
Stafford also has a cousin who serves in the military.
After taking inventory of what has been donated, Stafford hopes to gift wrap the items.
Stafford has been promoting the collection through his school’s monthly newsletter, by word of mouth and flyers.
On Dec. 1, Stafford and his family and friends will transport the donations to the hospital, and they will personally distribute the gifts Dec. 13. Surplus items will be stored at the hospital for future use.
Stafford hopes the distribution day will be fun and special for the patients. He and his friends might even double as Christmas carolers.
“We’ll be dressed up and be very festive, to be a blessing to the veterans,” Stafford said. “We’re going to tell them how grateful we are for them.”
Stafford requests items that will provide entertainment and comfort, such as books, puzzles, board games and stationary. But he is also collecting necessities, such as shampoo, toothpaste, shaving cream, t-shirts of assorted sizes and hats. Any items that can be easily transported are welcome.
