Walker Furniture recognized for contributions to American vets

Walker Furniture was recently recognized on a local and statewide basis for the company’s contributions toward the American Legion’s efforts in promoting a higher quality of lifestyle for veterans in Southern Nevada.

Earlier this month, Walker Furniture CEO Larry Alterwitz was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the American Legion Department of Nevada and was given a plaque of appreciation from the American Legion Paradise Post 149. The awards were presented in recognition of a program launched by Walker Furniture in July 2014, titled Help for Heroes, which provided wounded U.S. military personnel and veterans in Clark County with specialized items not generally available through Veterans Affairs. Walker Furniture relied on letters from the community, written on behalf of prospective recipients and hundreds were received, according to Alterwitz.

“We created the Help for Heroes program to “make day-to-day living a little easier for a segment of our community that is often overlooked,” said Alterwitz, adding that the inaugural program provided 10 military individuals and families with a variety of necessary items. He said the items typically include lift chairs, adjustable beds, new mattresses and dining sets, among other necessities. Each delivery was specific to the needs of each recipient.

“We must never forget what these men and women have done and continue doing for us,” Alterwitz said. “The VA is there to help, but is limited in what they can do beyond the veteran’s medical needs. We wanted to come forward and offer our assistance and we hope our efforts will inspire others to lend a helping hand as well.”

In conjunction with Help for Heroes, Walker Furniture also asked the community to donate nonperishable food items and toiletries, all of which went toward supplying the food pantry at the American Legion Paradise Post 149.

Throughout the year, Walker Furniture sponsors a number of programs designed to improve the quality of life for a wide range of individuals and families in need in Clark County. The company’s largest charitable endeavor, Home for the Holidays, marked its 21st anniversary this past year, by providing a houseful of brand-new furniture to 30 valley families. Each year, the company’s Valentine Teacher Appreciation Day program provides brand new furnishings to an area school for their teachers’ lounge based on letters written by students, on behalf of their favorite teachers.