The King, St. Damian Ladies Team Up for Veterans

Elvis will have a tough crowd Sunday, Nov. 27.

They've fought wars, lost men, and honored their country—and they still love their rock and roll.

The King will rock out for veterans at the Veterans Hospital in Manteno for a special Christmas-themed performance.

Impersonator Ron Tutor will be joined by a Frank Sinatra impersonator and Faith Hill and Tim McGraw impersonators for the special show to honor veterans. And a group of local ladies will also make the trip to Manteno to help out. 's Women's Club will spend some quality time with the vets, after the final bows.

"It's great with the veterans, they put in their time, and they deserve a little bit of us giving back to them," Tutor said.

The ladies of St. Damian will have given more than their time. With the help of the parish, The group has been collecting essential items for the vets, including perosnal care items, phone cards, batteries, books, magazines and crosswords, and candy and snacks.

In the weeks leading up to the show, the group shipped roughly 150 bags of donations to the hospital.

"It's things we all take for granted," said club member Jeanne Downey. "It grew, and it grew."

The donations are still trickling in, and they're even piling up in Downey's living room, but she doesn't mind. Donations are still welcome.

For the second year in a row, Tutor and his crew will present a holiday-themed show, including one of Tutor's personal favorites, "Blue Christmas."

The group first performed for the veterans last spring.

"We kept everybody awake," Tutor said, laughing.

He's looking forward to the St. Damian club socializing with the veterans.

"They really enjoy us, mingling with the guys," he said. "That's what they look forward to."

Tutor is expecting a packed house and little room for outside guests, but Downey is still accepting donations for the veterans. If you're interested in donating, please call for more information.

They're looking specifically for:

• books, magazines
• crosswords/puzzle books
• playing cards
• CDs, VHS, DVDs, cassettes
• new greeting cards
• postage stamps
• magnifying glasses
• phone cards
• batteries
• men's wallets and change purses
• yarn, silk flowers, craft items

Personal Care Items (Must Be Brand New)

• hair creme
• electric razors, aftershave
• roll-on deodorant
• body lotion (men's and women's)
• cologne for men and women
• combs, brushes
• toothpaste, mouthwash
• Fixodent tablets
• Polident denture cream
• Efferdent tablets
• Kleenex

Snacks

• cookies — regular and sugar-free
• candy — regular and sugar-free
• small candy bars (no nuts)
• small boxes of raisins
• individual bags of chips and pretzels
• soft granola bars
• Hawaiian Punch

Other

• coffee, regular and decaf
• cases of soda — diet and regular
• fabric softener sheets
• paper towels
• 6-ounce paper foam cups
• paper plates of assorted sizes
• napkins
• plastic utensils