FAIRMONT - Veterans in Martin and Faribault counties are making an all-out push this holiday season to help some of their less fortunate brethren.

"Veterans Assisting Veterans" is a combined effort of American Legions, VFWs and others to offer comfort, warmth and holiday greetings to the aged and infirm, the homeless, to vets in need and to active duty personnel serving at home and abroad.

Northrop Legion adjutant Chuck Mixson (proprietor of Mixson Siding & Windows of Fairmont) has enlisted people to the cause. Participating Legions include Blue Earth, Ceylon, Fairmont, Northrop, Sherburn and Trimont. VFWs include Blue Earth, Sherburn and Fairmont. Also involved are M.O.M.S. (Mothers and Others of Military Service) and MACV (Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans).

The groups approach is multi-pronged:

From 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, collection points will be set up at the Fairmont VFW, Sherburn Legion and Blue Earth Legion. The groups are collecting personal hygiene items for the Luverne Veterans Home, as well as items for homeless veterans and veterans in need. In addition, donations are sought to send seasonal packages to active duty military personnel. Names and addresses of personnel also are need. And, to wrap things up, unwrapped toys are sought for the Toys for Tots program sponsored by the Marine Corps.

Items sought for the Luverne Veterans Home include: money, toothpaste (regular and sensitive), denture cleaner, denture adhesive, after shave, hand lotion, bar soap, electric shavers (no blades or cream), postage stamps, phone cards, socks, undershirts and underwear (sizes XL to 5XL), snack size candy bars (no hard candy), microwave popcorn and puzzles (500 pieces or less).

For homeless vets and veterans who have returned home to find themselves and their families in need: money, winter hats, gloves, insulated socks, winter coats (clean and in good condition), insulated underwear, gas vouchers, baby diapers, non-perishable food items.

The M.O.M.S. group sends care packages to service personnel overseas. It needs monetary donations as well as postage. And, of course, the names and addresses of service personnel are essential.

The Toys for Tots program accepts unwrapped, new toys.

Anyone seeking additional information about "Veterans Assisting Veterans" may contact Chuck Mixson at (507) 236-1072.