Program History
During World War II, Comedian Eddie Cantor started a fundraising effort to provide Christmas gifts for American Military Personnel hospitalized in England because of the War. His national project was called “Give to a Yank Who Gave,” which precedes the program now named “Gifts for Yanks (GFY).”
In 1952, Ohio began the program collecting $8,000, which was used to purchase cigarettes for veterans in Ohio Veterans Hospitals. By 1994, the program has grown to support volunteers in all the Ohio VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, Ohio Veterans Homes, and veterans residing in state mental health facilities.
Program Impact
- Christmas gifts for Veterans who are receiving care in Ohio VA Medical Centers and our Ohio Veterans Homes
- VA Voluntary Service efforts conducted by Ohio Legionnaires
- Approved Special Projects that support Veterans receiving care in our Ohio VA Medical Centers and Ohio Veterans Homes
Become a Partner
The Gifts for Yanks program is completely dependent on the Legion Family fundraising efforts. All contributions to the Gifts for Yanks program directly impacts our Veterans’ receiving care in our VA facilities and Ohio Veterans Homes.
American Legion Post are challenged to contribute $1 per Legion member to the Gifts for Yanks Program. An annual fundraising goal of $250,000 is needed to fully support the Gifts for Yanks program.
Donations by check to the Gifts for Yanks program may be mailed to American Legion Department of Ohio, 60 Big Run Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015.
Upcoming Meetings and Donation/Fundraising Reports:
GFY Committee – Fundraising Report – 28 January 2020
GFY – VAVS Budget Reports:
2019 – 2020 GFY Committee Budget (rev 6.1)
GFY Budget-Accounts Payable 2019-2020
Points of Contact:
Robert Steggemann, 3rd District, Gifts For Yanks Committee Chairman
Email: bigdogbob325@aol.com
Andrew Klingler, Gifts For Yanks Coordinator
Phone: 740-513-1787 | Email: aklingler@ohiolegion.com
Gifts for Yanks Committee Members
DISTRICT 1
Chester Kendzierski
DISTRICT 2
Mike Homan
DISTRICT 3
Robert Steggemann (Chairman)
DISTRICT 4
Ken Ellis
DISTRICT 5
Darell Bishop
DISTRICT 6
Daniel Goodman
DISTRICT 7
John Barnhart
DISTRICT 8
Robert Schmoll
DISTRICT 9
William ‘Bill’ Keller
DISTRICT 10
Holly Lewis
DISTRICT 11
Floyd Burk
DISTRICT 12
John Tepper
DISTRICT 13
Stanley Popek
DISTRICT 14
Robert Burgess
