gifts for yanks
Program History
During World War II, Comedian Eddie Cantor started a fundraising effort to provide Christmas gifts for American Military Personnel hospitalized in England because of the War. His national project was called “Give to a Yank Who Gave,” which precedes the program now named “Gifts for Yanks (GFY).”
In 1952, Ohio began the program collecting $8,000, which was used to purchase cigarettes for veterans in Ohio Veterans Hospitals. By 1994, the program has grown to support volunteers in all the Ohio VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, Ohio Veterans Homes, and veterans residing in state mental health facilities.
Program Impact
- Christmas gifts/gift cards for Veterans who are receiving care in Ohio VA Medical Centers and our Ohio Veterans Homes
- VA Voluntary Service efforts conducted by Ohio Legionnaires
- Approved Special Projects that support Veterans receiving care in our Ohio VA Medical Centers and Ohio Veterans Homes
Download the Gifts For Yanks booklet HERE
Become a Partner
The Gifts for Yanks program is completely dependent on the Legion Family fundraising efforts. All contributions to the Gifts for Yanks program directly impacts our Veterans’ receiving care in our VA facilities and Ohio Veterans Homes.
American Legion Post are challenged to contribute $1 per Legion member to the Gifts for Yanks Program. An annual fundraising goal of $250,000 is needed to fully support the Gifts for Yanks program.
Donations by check to the Gifts for Yanks program may be mailed to American Legion Department of Ohio, 60 Big Run Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015.
Gifts for Yanks (VAVS) Reimbursement Request Form
The Gifts for Yanks request form is available in both PDF to download here.
Gifts for Yanks Committee Rules
Gifts For Yanks Points of Contact
Thom Stan
Gifts For Yanks Committee Chairman
- 509-240-4494
- freedumbsenior@hotmail.com
John Robinson
Dept. Liaison
- 740-362-7478
- adjutant@ohiolegion.com
Gifts For Yanks Committee Members
DISTRICT 1
Jeffrey L Hess
DISTRICT 2
Brenda Clerk
DISTRICT 3
Robert Steggemann
DISTRICT 4
Kenneth W Ellis
DISTRICT 5
Darell Bishop
DISTRICT 6
Bartley E Arndt
DISTRICT 7
John W Tepper
DISTRICT 8
Robert Schmoll, Jr.
DISTRICT 9
William ‘Bill’ Dittebrand
DISTRICT 10
Wesley A Crothers
DISTRICT 11
Thom Stan (Chair)
DISTRICT 12
Daniel T Watrous
DISTRICT 13
Stanley Popek
DISTRICT 14
Sharon L McClain