MADISON – During the Christmas season, television and movies depict generations of happy relatives gathering during the hustle-bustle – all smiles and in good spirits.

However, the picture-perfect representation on TV doesn’t always agree with reality. Many people – especially senior citizens and veterans – can face deafening quiet in the solitude of their living rooms.

Fortunately, members of Madison American Legion, Post 229 and Unit 229 Auxiliary are spreading holiday cheer to brighten the atmosphere for local veterans.

“The Madison American Legion Auxiliary Unit gathered this week to prepare Christmas gift bags for veterans and spouses of veterans in Madison’s assisted-living and memory care facilities. A large part of our mission in the American Legion and Auxiliary is to support our veterans and their families throughout the year,” Jean Downs said.

Downs serves as President of Unit 229 Auxiliary and as Vice Commander, Post 229.

“We’ve been supporting veterans at Floyd E. ‘Tut’ Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville for many years, but this year we decided to increase our outreach to veterans to include all of those that are in Madison’s residence homes,” Downs said.

Auxiliary Unit members met with directors of all assisted-living and memory care facilities in Madison to gather information on the number of veterans and spouses in their facilities and to learn what their needs are.

“We want to foster and grow this relationship with each of the facilities in our city and honor these veterans at various holidays throughout the year,” Downs said. “It’s important to let them know that we appreciate their service and the sacrifices they made for our country. (Our work) is just a small way to acknowledge them.”

This year, residents will receive gift bags at Merrill Gardens at Madison, Valley View Health and Rehabilitation, Madison Manor, Madison Village, Madison at the Range and Heritage Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Earlier in 2021, Madison Legionnaires started a relationship with Heritage Assisted Living. “We were able to give them gifts for Valentine’s Day, Easter and gave them special recognition on Veterans Day,” Downs said.

In addition, Unit 229 Auxiliary works with local JROTC units, Girls Scouts in Madison Service Unit 212 and numerous schools to collect cards and letters throughout the year to include with their gifts.

Any youth organizations that want to provide cards and letters can email Downs at ALAux229@yahoo.com.