The Coatesville LINK bus was Santa’s sleigh on Dec. 22 when the Transportation Management Association of Chester County, local politicians and the Ascot Summerfield Homeowner’s Association climbed aboard to drop off hundreds of holiday gifts to the patients at the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Congressman-elect Ryan Costello, state Rep. Becky Corbin, and newly-appointed Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline used western Chester County’s public transportation system to deliver the gifts to the veterans.

TMACC and the homeowner’s association worked since October to collect gifts of clothing, shoes, food and books.  Wal-Mart at Morgantown Crossing helped TMACC purchase 20 microwaves for the patients who will be moving onto their own homes.

Kathleem Pomorski, Coatesville VA’s public affairs officer, said many veterans who participate in the Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs use the Coatesville LINK to get to jobs and other destinations.

P. Timothy Phelps, executive director of TMACC, gave credit to TMACC Executive Assistant Betty Shaw for organizing the gift drive.

“I thought it was a great opportunity for TMACC to give back to our veterans who have fought so hard for our freedom,” Phelps said.

The Coatesville LINK runs from Parkesburg to Coatesville, Monday through Saturday, with a major stop at the VA Medical Center.