New Jersey Legionnaires donate two buses to veterans home

New Jersey Legionnaires donate two buses to veterans home

American Legion posts of Bergen County in New Jersey kicked off a fundraising effort in October 2013 to purchase a new bus for the 300 residents at Paramus (N.J.) Veterans Memorial Home. Their successful fundraising efforts, with the help of the community, resulted in the Legion raising more than $165,700. The ample funds allowed them to purchase two buses for the home, with money left for a third.

“We want to improve the quality of life for our vets and their families,” said Bob Salvini, commander of Bergen County and Post 170 in Rochelle Park. “Our vets will now be able to get out of the home and go on picnics, go to the movies and mingle with the community.”

Salvini said the buses the veterans home had continually broke down, which kept the veterans from enjoying recreational activities and engaging with the community. The first 16-passenger, handicap accessible bus was donated last April and the second 18-passenger bus in early March. Salvini hopes the third will be donated early next year.

“I was raised to pay it forward, and it feels good to give to those who have given so much for our freedom and our way of life,” Salvini said.