LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — Tags hang on the Christmas tree inside Amvets Post 59 in Hanover Township. On the tags are gift ideas to help homeless veterans.
"Sweatshirts, sweatpants, heavy gloves, heavy socks, long johns," said Tammy Wenger.
Tammy Wegner and Mike Price do veteran outreach with Amvets all year long.
"We look for homeless veterans wherever they are, under the bridge, in the woods, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, the church, on the square," said Mike Price, a veterans service officer with Amvets.
"There's a lot of sad stories. Some might be coming home from deployment, and they aren't right in the head, a lot of PTSD, a lot of emotional problems, and they get put out on the street," said Wenger.
Since starting the Giving Tree three years ago, organizers say they have helped hundreds of veterans in need throughout Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties.
This year, organizers say donations are way down.
"This year, it is pretty slow. It's getting me nervous," said Wenger.
Last year, the table was packed with bags filled with cold weather gear and holiday wishes.
Now, the table sits empty. Organizers hope items start coming in soon with the winter months quickly approaching.
"Some want to get off the street, some do not. The ones that no not, we supply them head to toe with all new stuff. We do not accept anything used because our veterans deserve to have nice things," said Wenger.
"Especially this time of year, it is cold outside, and they are suffering, and if we do not get the donations, we will have to scrounge somewhere because money doesn't grow on trees," said Price.
Amvets are also collecting monetary donations to purchase items.
You don't have to pop in to pick an ornament off the tree. Monetary donations or gift cards can be mailed to:
Amvets Post 59,
578 Fellows Avenue,
Hanover Township, PA 18706