Malverne Ladies Auxiliary donates mattresses to veterans

The Malverne Ladies Auxiliary Unit 44 found success in its latest endeavor to better the lives of veterans.

The group’s most recent project is a fundraiser from which proceeds will go toward new mattresses for veterans at the Northport VA Hospital. The auxiliary unit first announced the project at the Malverne Board of Trustees’ January meeting and within a month met — and surpassed — its goal of purchasing 40 beds.

Success was due in large part to the generosity of Malverne residents — including village trustees and public officials who jumped at the opportunity to donate as soon as it was offered. At the board’s Feb. 2 meeting, Department of Public Works employee Kevin Brady and Police Benevolent Association President Thomas Winters presented the auxiliary with a $1,200 check, which could purchase at least eight beds, bringing the total up to 43.

Auxiliary President Carol Hassett said the group decided on the project after seeing that the mattresses currently available at the facility are in poor condition. In providing this basic staple, the group would also provide a nice touch of comfort for the veterans who reside there.

The Northport hospital, which provides a place of rest and recovery to veterans who have no family or place to recover after medical treatment, is a freestanding unit run with the help of the Salvation Army. The mattress donation project was first suggested by Greta Valdez, the county officer for the American Legion’s Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation program, but she quickly handed it over to the Ladies Auxiliary Unit.

The mattresses, which cost approximately $140 each, are set to be delivered after a trial mattress is sent to the facility. Once approved by both the hospital and the health board to ensure they fit standards, the remaining mattress will be shipped and put to use by the end of March.