On January 23, 2026 members of the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Calabash Post 7288 and Auxiliary took a trip to the VA hospital in Fayetteville, NC with donations of over $500 worth of personal care items, T-shirts, sweaters and other clothing. "We make this trip about every three months”, said VFW Auxiliary president Cathy Milstead. "Hospitalized service members and retirees really appreciate something as simple as a warm pair of socks, a sweater or a can of their favorite shaving cream. We are proud to deliver these care packages to the VA Hospital.” The items are donated by VFW members and friends of the VFW Calabash Post 7288. The weekly Bingo game also generates lots of donations from the community Doors open at 4 pm every Thursday evening and Bingo is open to the public. The first game starts at 6:30 pm. Bingo players who bring in a donation receive a complimentary $2 Bingo pack.
Their next stop in Fayetteville was the active U. S. Army Garrison Fort Bragg, home of the Airborne and Special Operations Forces. The VFW volunteers carried a pickup truck load of canned goods and other food items destined for the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) food pantry on base. The ASYMCA is the oldest military support organization in the U.S. and has been "Strengthening Our Military Family®” since 1861. It is estimated that more than 25% of active-duty military families and 10% of veteran families in the Fayetteville area need assistance with food. The ASYMCA Fort Bragg food pantry helps to combat this issue in the community they serve. The VFW Calabash Post 7288 and members of our Calabash community generously contribute to this effort through food donations.
Another special aspect of the ASYMCA is new parent assistance for military families. Being a new parent is hard enough, but being a new military parent is even harder. The ASYMCA Fort Bragg "Baby Bundle" program aims to ease the financial burden of acquiring basic care items needed to bring a new infant home. VFW members and Bingo players have enthusiastically supported this program by donating baby items, like diapers, baby wipes, clothing and toys that can be delivered to Fort Bragg. It’s a huge help for young mothers in need, often juggling the responsibilities of new motherhood while their spouse is deployed overseas.
Community members who wish to help with this project are welcome to drop off donations at the VFW Post or in a donation box at the Southwest Brunswick Library.
The VFW Calabash Post is located at 900 Carter Dr. SW, Calabash, 28467. Team VFW Post 7288 builds camaraderie among United States Veterans of overseas conflicts and the Auxiliary in order to serve Veterans, the military, our community and advocates on behalf of all Veterans. If you are a veteran that served in a war zone you may be eligible to become a regular member. If you have a family member who served in a war zone you may become a member of the Post's Auxiliary. Come by the Post to see what we are all about and pick up a membership form.
