Patriotic Helping Hands Inc is a non-profit organization located in beautiful southwest Virginia. Our goal is to honor and serve America's disabled veterans, all military personel and our community.

The United States of America is based on the concept of freedom. It is our Veterans who have served to maintain that freedom. We must never forget that! We all need to show our appreciation and to help whenever we can.

We are very active within our community; visiting local nursing homes and adult care facilities with hand made greeting cards, craft items and gifts. Many of the people in these facilities have little or no family and few visitors. The look on their faces when a visitor arrives or a gift is given lifts the hearts of all involved and encourages us to work that much harder.

Some people are under the impression a disabled veteran receives a lot of money from the government, this just isn't the case. Many disabled veterans wait years to receive any due benefits. And those in nursing homes, well, it costs more for the care than their disability check. So it really is a sad situation for many of America's disabled veterans.

Working within our community to be of assistance to schools and churches as well as individuals in need is very important to us. We also really enjoy hearing from students who send us wonderful greeting cards to pass along to veterans and nursing home patients. We encourage everyone to help with that project and you can read more about it below.

Loving Husband, Wonderful Father, Dear Friend and Loyal PHH Member Ray Clark Sept 16, 1945 - Nov 22, 2009 Ray was a very active member of Patriotic Helping Hands. He did a lot of hauling, making sure equipment and supplies were where they needed to be and he faithfully attended all our fundraising events. Ray was the husband of Teresa, our secretary, as well as a good friend to all.

He was proud to have served his country and a friend to all Raymond "Buzz" Spears Buzz, as he was known to all, was born and raised here in Big Stone Gap.Virginia. His brother, David, and nephew, Chess, are both members of Patriotic Helping Hands. Buzz was part of the funeral procession for President Kennedy. He was so brave through a long illness and his faith in God inspired us all.

Our hearts also go out to our president, Joyce Wells. Her husband passed away March 7th, 2010. Joyce continues her good work with Patriotic Helping Hands and inspires us all.

We've made greeting cards with a Fall theme and also Veteran's Day cards. Veteran's Day cards will be delivered just a few days before the holiday and we'll place pretty cross necklaces in them. We really hope we receive some from children this year. The veterans enjoy them so much!

And it's NOT to early to think of Christmas cards! We once received a cyclops Santa card, he had one jiggly eye in the middle of his forehead; the veteran who received that laughed till he cried which got all of in tears. I just can't tell you how much homemade greeting cards from children please everyone. All cards are appreciated but the kids sure make them special.

We also had a fundraiser in early October and wish to thank everyone in the community who stopped by and helped. We couldn't do what we do without you! And it makes it possible for us to purchase Christmas from everyone to each veteran in 5 care facilities.

Chess Spears is our wonderful Uncle Sam and Teresa Clark enjoys being a clown

Gary Arwood is a dedicated member, along with President Joyce Wells and "Uncle Sam"

We're now working on homemade Christmas cards and a Snowman wall craft to decorate the veteran's rooms. Your cards and crafts are WELCOME!

Patriotic Helping Hands Inc
P O Box 634
Big Stone Gap, Virginia 24219
Phone 276-523-4000 (ask for Teresa)

info@patriotichelpinghands.com