Christmas comes in July for Holmes County veterans

When July rolls around, it ushers in many things including sunshine, fireworks, swimming, picnics and … Christmas?

At least the latter comes to veterans who sign up for the annual Christmas in July celebration.

It’s time for the Christmas in July sign-up. During the month of July, specifically July 5-29, veterans and veterans’ widows/widowers can sign up to receive a voucher for a ham or turkey for Christmas.

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. This event in July is just the sign-up process. The vouchers will be issued in November or December.

The Holmes County VA is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed federal holidays and for training. Do not leave voicemails requesting sign-up. Participants must speak to someone in the office.