Christmas begins in July for Holmes County veterans

When a person thinks about July, what comes to mind? Usually, blazing sunshine, fireworks, swimming, picnics, mowing the yard, family vacations and no school.

Well, how about Christmas?

Thanks to the Holmes County Veterans Service Commission, all Holmes County veterans can count July as a special time to think about Christmas. It’s nearly time for the annual Christmas in July sign-up. During the month of July, veterans and veterans’ widows/widowers can sign up to receive a voucher for a ham or turkey for Christmas.

VA Director Dan Stackhouse said this July is the perfect time to spread holiday cheer to those who have served the nation faithfully.

For those who have never been into the veterans office to sign up, they must bring their discharge (DD-214) and proof of Holmes County residency such as an electric, tax or water bill.

If the individual requesting a voucher is not the veteran, the person must be the current spouse or have been married to the veteran at the time of his or her passing.

If the individual is already on file in the Holmes County office, they may call in their request, but only if the VA already has the proper discharge (DD 214) and proof of residency in Holmes County has not changed.

There is a limit of one voucher per household, even if multiple veterans live together or are married.

If the veteran or other authorized applicant is unable to eat ham or turkey for medical, religious or dietary preferences, they can call for alternate plans.

The program runs through July only. Stackhouse said this event is just the sign-up process. The ham or turkey vouchers will be issued the first week of December.

Signing up for this special Christmas gift may be done during all open hours at the veterans office in Millersburg. The Holmes County VA is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed federal holidays and for training. Do not leave voicemails requesting sign-up. Participants must speak to someone in the office.

The office is located at 75 E. Clinton St., Suite 104, Millersburg. For more information call 330-674-4806.