At Mays Mission for the Handicapped, one of our most cherished traditions is visiting residents at Veterans Homes and nursing facilities—a mission that began many years ago with our founder, Ewing Mays.
Ewing Mays, a double amputee and World War II veteran, lost both legs during a mortar explosion in Sicily. But he never lost his spirit. Throughout his life, Ewing remained committed to uplifting others, especially wounded soldiers and disabled veterans. He believed deeply in the power of human connection, compassion, and hope. His visits to veterans hospitals and nursing homes were more than just acts of kindness—they were powerful reminders that no one is forgotten.
Today, we are proud to continue that tradition.
This year, Mays Mission has sent out countless ‘Gift Paks’—hand-assembled by our employees with disabilities—to volunteers across the country to distribute to nursing home and veterans home residents. Each Gift Pak includes thoughtful items like stationery and writing supplies, created with care by individuals in our on-the-job training program. These small tokens of kindness often spark big smiles and meaningful conversations.
Closer to home, our team members, Vince and David, have made it a regular practice to visit veterans at a local nursing home every few weeks. These visits are filled with laughter, shared stories, and a genuine bond formed over topics like fishing and baseball. For David, who is also part of our job training program, these visits are especially fulfilling. “It just makes me feel good,” he says. “You can tell they appreciate it, and I always leave feeling better myself.”
We believe that everyone has the power to brighten someone’s day. Even a short visit or a friendly conversation can make a lasting difference to someone who may be feeling lonely or forgotten.
We encourage you—yes, you—to consider reaching out in your own community. If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering, we’d be happy to send you a free copy of our brochure, The Spirit of Giving. And if you’d like to join us in distributing ‘Gift Paks’ to residents in your area, we’d love to hear from you.
You can reach us at info@maysmission.org or give us a call. Together, we can continue this beautiful tradition of compassion, connection, and care—just as Ewing Mays intended.
Thank you for your support, and for helping us share hope, one visit at a time.
Visiting nursing homes will bring smiles to the faces of some lonely people.