BECKLEY, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – Every Valentine’s Day, people are running to their local malls and grocery stores to purchase cards, candies and gifts for their significant other and loved ones. This year, one local businesswoman is turning the focus to a different group: veterans.
“Giving love to the men and women who have served the United States of America and have given their life to the service of the greatest country in the world, that is what is important,” said Jennifer Bowling, owner of Consign and Design Furniture Studio on Ragland Road and its parent company, Perfectly Planned.
This Valentine’s Day, Bowling put together baskets to give to veterans at the Beckley VAMC. She says the baskets are full of “all the things they will need” such as personal hygiene items, blankets, toiletries, Valentine’s Day cards, lotions and more.
Bowling explained that, while she doesn’t normally celebrate Valentine’s Day, she couldn’t think of a better way to do so than to give back to those who, she says, deserve the most love.
“This is a trying time for all of us and they kept us safe. If someone gave their life for our country, then I believe they should have a throw blanket…My goal is to give them something and maybe make them feel a bit more comfortable in a place and time where they are not necessarily getting all the amenities they need.
“I am going to spend the rest of my life dedicated to veterans.”
Due to social distancing restrictions, Bowling could not distribute the gifts herself. Instead, they were given to the VA over the weekend to be passed out to patients Monday morning. The baskets will be given in honor of Bowling’s grandfathers, who served in World War II and Korea, and her brother who served three tours in Iraq following 9/11.
Bowling plans to continue assisting the Raleigh County community through various initiatives and says she would eventually like to have veterans join her at Consign and Design where they will learn to build and make things.
In addition to the Valentine’s baskets, Bowling is also offering a 10 percent discount to all military. This offer will end on March 10.
Consign and Design Furniture Studio is located at 580 Ragland Road in Beckley.
