Veterans help brighten special Olympians days

Donna M. Perry/Sun Journal

Greg McDonald of Fayette, standing, and Gerry Toothaker of East Wilton, sitting, are members of the AMVETS Post 33 in Jay, which is a major supporter of Special Olympics Maine. The organization's Special Olympics Committee has raised more than $200,000, and volunteers have put in more than 20,000 hours over the years to benefit the Olympians.

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- Donna M. Perry/Sun Journal

Submitted photo

Members of AMVETS Post 33 of Jay were recognized recently by the National AMVETS organization for their contributions to help special Olympians. AMVETS state Commander Les Taylor, center, presented the award to some of its members. From left are Greg McDonald, Joe Groomes, Don LeSeur, Dick Therrien, Les Taylor, Gerry Toothaker, Jim Holt and Bob Shink.

- Submitted Photo

JAY — It started 30 years ago when a member of the AMVETS Post 33 took his snowmobile up to Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley to give rides to Special Olympians.

Since then, volunteers from the American Veterans' organization, their affiliates and other veterans from the Jay area have grown to about 90 along with about 30 snowmachines that make the annual trek to Sugarloaf Mountain in Carrassabassett Valley where the winter games are now held.

The AMVETS Post 33 Special Olympics Committee has raised more than $200,000 over the years, with volunteers putting in more than 20,000 hours, said Committee Chairman Gerry Toothaker, 79, of East Wilton.

Besides winter games, they also sponsor bowling days and track and field games for the athletes.

Post 33 recently received an award from the AMVETS National Headquarters commending members for their "unselfish and outstanding contribution toward helping mentally challenged citizens." With the award came a $1,000 check, which went right into the Special Olympics Committee coffers to go back toward its mission.

Greg McDonald, 59, of Fayette, the current commander of the Post, was the first AMVET to give a ride to the Olympians. In 1979, the commander was Willie Dube and he asked McDonald to make the trip.

"It felt very good," McDonald said, and it still does. "The kids love it and still do."

The volunteer support has just grown and grown, Toothaker said. Just seeing the smiles on the Olympians' faces and getting their hugs warms your heart, he said. McDonald said he gets satisfaction from the work they do.

"I am very proud of our organization. We do a lot of work there. We've got a lot of dedicated people," he said.

The Auxiliary and Sons of AMVETS, which are affiliated with the Post, are major supporters of the effort, Toothaker said. They also get help from the VFW Post 3335 in Jay and American Legion Post 10 in Livermore Falls and associated organizations.

Community members and businesses are also a major part of the group's success.

"Community. Community. Community. When we ask for help, they are there to do it," Toothaker said.

dperry@sunjournal.com