The Jonathan M. Wainwright VA Memorial Medical Center held a holiday for veteran patients on Dec. 21.

The party was intended to spread holiday cheer and, in part thanks to the grandchildren of Patti and Darrell Loney of Touchet, that is exactly what happened.

The Loney family decided to pool their Christmas money together -- about $200 -- and purchase presents for the patients. They arrived at the party with dozens of colorful gift boxes and bags and not a single person went without a present.

The young people who gave away their Christmas money included Brooke Kimball, Sydney Kimball, Ely Kimball, Ryan Kimball and Mckenzie Loney, as well as cousins away at school, Abbie Smyth, Alyssa Smyth, and Ian Smyth. The Loneys and their daughter Debbie Smyth accompanied the youths in their quest.

Walla Walla VA's Director Brian Westfield greeted the family, thanked them for their generosity and presented each member with a gold Department of Veterans Affairs commemorative coin along with a set of "America's Heroes" baseball cards that the Walla Walla VA has published honoring area veterans who have served their country.