Jewish War Veterans

The Palm Beach Post reports that the Jewish War Veterans west of Boca Raton, Florida are in need of used stamps for hospitalized veterans across the country.

It’s a pastime that allows veterans to exercise their motor skills and imagination, said Marty Kaufman, founder and former chairman of the national stamp program. Some veterans use the stamps to make collages or decorate plastic bottles; others collect them.

“One of the worst things a person has in the hospital is boredom,” Kaufman said. “With stamps, they are physically working with their hands and minds... creating a brotherhood. If a person is shy and has no interests, this can create an interest.”

The stamps should be cut off envelopes, but do not have to be removed from the paper. Soaking stamps off paper and sorting them into categories is part of the therapy.

Since 1991, JWV has collected nearly 10 million stamps from corporations, private collectors and individuals...including a box from San Quentin State Prison.

Shown above is an interesting optical illusion that one of the veterans made with donated stamps.

Canceled stamps can be mailed to Bill Ruchman, JWV of the United States, Snyder-Tokson Post 459, 1021 Yarmouth B, Boca Raton, FL 33434.

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