"All the citizens should voluntarily contribute towards the noble cause of the rehabilitation of war widows, disabled defence personnel and ex-servicemen," said Patil, who is also the Administrator of Chandigarh.
On the occasion, Punjab Sainik Welfare Director Brig (retd) Manjit Singh pinned Armed Forces Flag on Patil's shirt here.
Patil was the first one who made the donation on this auspicious day, a Raj Bhawan spokesman said.
Releasing brochures 'Rann-Jodhey' of Punjab Sainik Welfare, Patil said that "our Armed Forces have been serving the Nation with great distinction both during war and peace".