Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter members were joined by American Legion Post 60 Auxiliary members on February 7th to assist with assembling gift bags for hospitalized veterans at the three Maryland VA Medical Centers: Baltimore, Loch Raven, and Perry Point. The Maryland Chapter members included Janice Chance, Paula Davis, Theresa Karlson, and Khadidja Keita. The Auxiliary members included Carolyn Monko, Lesley Brinton, Penny Garrett, Denise Person, Peggy Purcell, Barbara Rhodes, Nancy Gebicke, Deborah Goldberg, and Tris Thomas.
Gift bags included word puzzle books, pencils, lip balm, hand lotion, stress balls, stuffed bears and handmade Valentines Day cards that were crafted by members of the Auxiliary.
A total of 300 gift bags were assembled for VA Centers, Baltimore, Loch Raven, and Perry Point. The gift bags will be distributed to our Heroes at all three Maryland VA Medical Centers for “National Salute to Veterans Week”, February 9-12, 2026. Maryland Gold Star Mothers will also be delivering lap blankets handmade by Theresa Bentley in memory of her daughter.
Gold Star Mothers are grateful to Commander Josie Lohman, AL Post 60 Commander for allowing them to use the Post to have their bi-monthly meetings as well as a place to prepare our service projects. The members are also grateful to the Auxiliary members for their continued support.
