Christmas in July sign-up now open to Holmes County vets

It’s almost July, and you know what that means?

It’s time for Christmas.

At least that’s the case for Holmes County veterans, who can now begin signing up for the annual Christmas in July activity through the Holmes County Veterans Administration.

This program will take place during the month of July, allowing veterans and veterans’ widows/widowers to sign up to receive a voucher for a ham or turkey for Christmas.

According to Holmes County Veterans Administration Director Dan Stackhouse, this step in the process is just sign-up. The vouchers will be issued in November and December.

For those who have never been into the veterans office to sign up, it’s easy, with just a few ground rules.

Veterans or their spouses who have never been into the office to sign up should bring in the discharge (DD-214) and proof of Holmes County residency such as an electric bill, water bill or any other type of proof.

If someone is requesting a voucher and they are not the veteran, he or she must be the current spouse or have been married to the veteran at the time of his or her passing.

If someone is already on file in the Holmes County office, he or she may call in for their request, but only if the Holmes County VA already has the appropriate discharge (DD 214) and the residency in Holmes County has not changed.

The offer is limited to 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 may call for more information.

This program is only available to sign up for through July. The Holmes County VA office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed during all federal holidays and for training. Do not leave voicemails requesting sign-up. You must speak to an individual in the Holmes County VA office.