SANDPOINT — The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2453 has set up their project Base Camp as a place for local veterans to socialize and hang out with their buddies.

The Sandpoint VFW has been working on the project for the past few years to provide more resources to local veterans and their families and to encourage use of the VFW facility.

“You do not have to be a VFW member or a member in any veterans organization, just a veteran to experience Base Camp,” Ken Hunt, post quartermaster and adjutant, said.

Base Camp has movies, books, magazines, a sitting area, four large screen TVs and other entertainment equipment such as a large pool table and darts. With a small donation refreshments, ice cream, burritos, candy, coffee and other goodies will be provided.

There is even a playpen with toys if one of the veterans wants to bring their little one, Hunt said.

The grand opening will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, at the Sandpoint VFW Post, located on the corner of 1325 Pine and Division.

“All are invited, hot dogs, chips and drinks will be provided. We hope to see a lot of new friends there,” Hunt said.

The VFW is still looking for donations for books, magazines, toys for little kids, and DVD/Blu-ray movies. The VFW also needs volunteers to work the door to keep the Base Camp open.

“This last element will be a work in progress and I’m sure we will have a couple glitches until we can establish hours,” Hunt said. “The general idea is to have the Base Camp open as much as possible while still allowing for our current public use.”

VFW officials said that the Base Camp will not affect any organizations currently utilizing the facility and the building will still be available for public use. The hope is to make the open hours available for veterans.

If you have any questions or would like to make a donation you can reach the VFW at 208 263-9613, or email at post2453vfw@gmail.com, mailing address VFW Post 2453, 1325 Pine St., Sandpoint ID 83864.