Sweet Gesture Helps Out Veterans

A moment of sweet inspiration has brightened the day of hundreds of Illinois veterans.

About four years ago, New Lenox resident Jim Kranz noticed a display of candy on post-holiday clearance at on Schoolhouse Road, where he works as a cashier. On a whim, he bought some – a lot. It was more than he needed, so he called the Illinois Veterans Home at Manteno to see if anyone there could use it. Come on down, they said.

Since then, Kranz has made monthly visits to the Veterans Home, each time donating roughly 250 individual bars and bags of candy. It’s been a group effort, Kranz said. In addition to buying the clearance candy, he has also collected candy donated by others.

The Manteno Veterans Home houses about 260 veterans, men and women, who served in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam and have some degree of medical problems. Although Kranz is not a veteran, he was familiar with the VA system through his brother, who worked at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital near Maywood.

Kranz said the candy donation is just a small gesture. So many people do much more for the veterans, such as people who volunteer to visit, entertain and assist the veterans with outings.

“People who do that are the real heroes,” he said.

He said he wanted everyone to know about the Manteno Home and how they could help the veterans.

Even small donations like individually-wrapped snacks, razors, lotions, phone cards and stamps can be helpful, said Kathy Sanzotta, director of volunteers and activity therapy programs at the Manteno VA Home. These little extras can bring cheer to the veterans, who are referred to as members.

“We can provide the luxuries so they don’t have to go out and purchase them on their own,” Sanzotta said.

Many donations are channeled through organizations like the VFW, the American Legion or motorcycle clubs, but many individuals are also moved to donate, Sanzotta said.

“Some people have a tie to the veterans for some reason,” Sanzotta said. “Maybe their dad was a vet.”

Volunteers are also important to the Manteno Home, she said. Often community organizations plan or sponsor events, outings or entertainment. Volunteers are also needed on a daily basis, even if it’s something as simple as pushing a wheelchair from one place to another on the five-unit campus.

Meanwhile, Kranz plans to continue collecting and donating candy as long as he can.

“It’s fun,” he said. “You’re doing something for guys who deserve something better than what they have, even if it’s only candy.”

If you’d like to donate candy, you can find Kranz at his cashier’s station at Walgreens most days. To donate or volunteer with the Veterans Home in Manteno, call 815-468-6581.