COLUMBIA BASIN, Wash. – The Columbia Basin Veterans Center is hosting a special event to bring joy to veterans, active military members and their families during the holiday season. The event aims to provide a festive atmosphere for those who may find the holidays challenging.
Kristopher Dahir, the executive director at the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, is in his first year leading the center. He emphasized the importance of unifying the veteran community. “We want more and more people to come to the center. We’re very excited about what’s happening here. And so, come on down, see Santa, get to see the place,” Dahir said.
The event is free for veterans and their family members, including families of those currently deployed. Santa will make his early appearance on the 11th and 12th of next week. Interested participants must call or email the Columbia Basin Veterans Center to RSVP.
Dahir highlighted the community’s involvement in making the event special. “The whole community really has been a part of this. We have our rotary from the PK Rotary that has helped give gifts. We have Synergy that’s going to make this place look very fancy,” he said.
Through events like these, Dahir hopes to inspire hope and provide support for those facing difficult times. “You know, hope is an interesting word that people get confused. But it’s not just this feeling, it’s the anticipation of tomorrow,” he said. “We get to actually come and say, you know what? Today might be tough. Yesterday may have been even tougher. But the future can be strong. And you have people here to stand with you.”
For more information, interested parties can reach out to the Columbia Basin Veterans Center.
