4-H and Elks spread cheer to Vernon County veterans

NEVADA, Mo. — An area not-for-profit joins forces with a Vernon County youth organization to play Santa for some of our national heroes who might otherwise be forgotten during the holidays.

"We're delivering presents to the veterans," said Chase Luther, Backroads 4H.

Chase Luther and other members of Vernon County's Backroads 4-H Club spent their Saturday delivering presents to veterans in nursing homes.

"It really depends on, like, what they were asking for. Some of them were asking for chocolate snacks, and some of them were asking for clothes and shoes," said Luther.

This delivery was to Joe Caviness.

Caviness, a Navy veteran, says knowing that his service means so much to the next generation makes this Christmas a little more special.

"I mean, it wouldn't even have to be Christmas, just acknowledgement is a lot," said Joe Caviness.

The kids were able to do this through a partnership with the Nevada Elks - who provided $2,000 to help fund the shopping spree.

"This is the perfect opportunity for us to work with the kids, and they are always very helpful and excited about taking part in recognizing our veterans," said Jason Meisenheimer, Nevada Elks Lodge.

But Meisenheimer says the Elks want every day to be Christmas for those who've served our nation, and tie that with the Elks mission to serve the youth.

He says since 2020, the Nevada Elks have spent more than 51,000 hours and donated more than 1.9 million dollars to their community working with kids, veterans, and other projects.

Joshua Westerhold says it's a small way to say thank you to those who've done so much for our nation, and to those who will carry on that legacy.

"It's important that they are recognized, you know, and that we hold them near and dear to us," said Joshua Westerhold, Nevada Elks Lodge.

Westerhold says many of the roughly 800 members of the Nevada Elks are veterans - who know firsthand the difference a "thank you" can make.

"When somebody thanks you for being a veteran, it feels great, and it feels great for me to thank the ones that are there now, and the ones that have been there," said Stephen Brooks, Army/National Guard veteran.

And while they are looking forward to Christmas morning - he's says playing Santa himself may be the best part of this Christmas.

"Yeah, except for the waking up early part," said Luther.