The eighth annual “Comfort & Joy: Gifts for Veterans” program is officially underway at the Grand Junction Free Press.

The program, in support of the Grand Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center and area veterans, has been enormously successful in past years thanks to the generosity of the community.

“Comfort and Joy has been a hallmark of the Free Press,” said Ben Rogers, Free Press general manager. “We see this as a simple way that we can give back to our veterans.”

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The program is updated each year so the list of requested items matches the need of veterans. This year, the Free Press and the VA Medical Center are accepting the following new items: Crossword/word search books (large print only); bookstore gift cards; small tubes of toothpaste; soft toothbrushes; denture cleanser tablets; denture adhesive; two-sided denture brushes; small packets of tissue; knit gloves and knit hats; socks and slippers; new paperback books; and 5-inch pocket combs.

All items must be new and do not need to be gift-wrapped.

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“Veterans are an important part of our community,” Rogers said. “The Free Press has always been a supporter of local veterans and the many organizations that help to support the Grand Valley’s veterans. As a community newspaper we strive to help those in need in our market.”

Donations can be dropped off at the Free Press office (145 N. Fourth St.) and at the VA Medical Center lobby (2121 North Ave). Donations will be accepted through Dec. 31.

For more information on the “Comfort & Joy: Gifts for Veterans,” call the Free Press office at 970-243-2200, ext. 18701.