Clark County Washington Bowlers take care of local veterans

This is what people in a community can do when they care more than words. This is being repeated by different groups all across the country, but there are not enough of them. If you really care about our veterans and belong to a local group, talk to them about doing something like this for the veterans.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007


The Veterans Administration hospital in Vancouver received about $2,700 worth of merchandise last week as part of the Clark County United States Bowling Congress chapter Bowlers to Veterans Link program.

The merchandise was purchased from donations by bowlers in Clark County leagues and tournaments.

Among the items donated last week to the recreational therapy program at the local hospital were three carts to haul TVs, three boom boxes, six 20-inch TVs, and eight VCR-DVD combinations.

The decades-old program has raised funds for veterans hospitals by seeking donations and running 50-50 raffles during league play and tournaments at area bowling centers. Prior to last year, money raised was given to the VA. Beginning last year, the Clark County program began buying the local hospital items it requested with the funds.

"They give us a wish list and we fill their wish list for them," said Dan Neuman, who coordinates the BVL program for Clark County.

The new system ensures the money donated by area bowlers helps the local VA, Neuman said. It also helps him deliver requested items quickly. He said the new process also allows him to show the bowlers photographs of the items their donations purchase, which helps maintain interest in the program.

"I think it's been great to be able to show the bowlers where their money has gone," Neuman said.

Neuman said local bowlers have raised about $3,535 for the BVL program so far this year. The main fundraising push happens around Veterans Day, though the program accepts donations at any time, Neuman said.

http://www.columbian.com/sports/localNews/2007/12/12182007
_Community-Notebook-Bowlers-donations-help-local-VA-hospital.cfm