BAP & SAS Spread Holiday Cheer to Veterans

BAP & SAS Spread Holiday Cheer to Veterans

By: Brianna Kerrane

Every year, the members of BAP and SAS come together to spread joy during the holiday season. This year, the focus was on making Christmas cards for the veterans residing at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center in Downtown Scranton. Named after World War II hero Gino J. Merli, a native of northeastern PA and a Medal of Honor recipient, the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center serves as a home for veterans facing financial challenges or physical limitations. Residents not only receive care but also experience a strong sense of community.

Understanding and honoring the sacrifices made by these veterans, the members of BAP and SAS chose to extend a gesture of goodwill to the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center this holiday season through a heartwarming card-making party as the final community service event for the fall semester. This festive gathering allowed members to spend quality time with friends and peers, savoring cookies and hot chocolate before the impending finals week. The result of the card-making event was outstanding–a total of seventy holiday cards crafted with care and adorned with cheerful messages from our members.

The cards were promptly delivered a few days after the event, and the reception at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center was one of gratitude. The front desk expressed their appreciation to The University of Scranton BAP and SAS for the thoughtful gesture. This initiative served as a wonderful way for the club to give back to the community during the holiday season and conclude the semester on a heartwarming note.