Back to In The News

Wounded soldiers move Pittsford woman to act

Rochester Democrat & Chronicle
By Nicole Lee, Staff writer
01.03.09

Helga Hempel tries to keep her emotions under control, but her voice quavers when talking about the pain endured by military personnel who have lost limbs fighting for the United States.

Hempel doesn't have much to give, but she hopes that the lap blankets she crochets from red, white and blue yarn will help those who have lost one leg, or both, in combat.

"They're so thankful for blankets this time of year," said Hempel, 75, of Pittsford. "I wish I could do more."

She ships the blankets to Fort Sam Houston in Texas or to the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Hempel said the handwritten note of appreciation sent recently from Walter Reed was the best thank you she could have received.

Her passion for helping war veterans began after watching a Memorial Day television program in 2007. She said a concert held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., featured various performances, including a speech from Army veteran and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. But Hempel said she was most moved by the stories of those in the military whose lives were forever changed because of their injuries.

She sold about 25 of her cookbooks and 50 handmade tote bags to raise approximately $3,100 for Fisher House, an organization that provides housing for the families of those receiving care at military and Veterans Administration medical centers.

In warmer temperatures, Hempel said she goes door-to-door to solicit donations for the Fisher House, but arthritis makes it difficult to get around in her community during winter months.

She doesn't have any relatives in active duty, but Hempel, a native of Germany, remembers the family members who died in military service in Russia and Poland during World War II.

Hempel, who lives on a fixed income of Social Security benefits, also gives funds to the St. Labre Indian School in Montana, a facility that houses and educates displaced Native American children. She receives regular reports on the students' progress.

She doesn't think her charity work is extraordinary. Rather, she said, it encourages more people to be creative and think of small ways to make a huge difference in someone else's life.

"There's a million and one things" people can do to help, Hempel said.

Back to In The News