VFW Post 360 helps military heroes during the holidays

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- The Mishawaka VFW Post 360 is celebrating the holiday season by giving back to those that have sacrificed and served our country.

The “Helping Our Military Heroes During the Holidays” program makes sure military families don’t go without during the holiday season every year.

This Saturday, 26 military families will head to Mejier on Grape Road to shop for Christmas presents at no cost and afterwards take the gifts to the VFW Post to wrap and take back home to their families.

Linda Miles, the Auxiliary Chairperson for Veterans and Families, says the program was created to lift the financial burden but also ensure that the community heroes feel appreciated.

“I’m not a hero, our military members are the heroes, the ones that fought for our country they are our heroes, and we want to help them and their families,” said Miles. “We want them to know that this isn’t a handout, we just want to help.”

A navy veteran, Cameron Pate confirmed that the extra help they provide for his family of five makes a big difference.

“I didn’t plan on having all these kids and time and life takes you different places and sometimes you don't have to be until you need to but it’s nice when god and people like her help out." said Pate. “It’s just life, it’s expensive, I got a kid getting ready to go to college, so the extra help really takes the ease off.”

This holiday initiative was made through generous donations from the community and local businesses.

With only one day left, they are asking for the community’s support in donating any non-perishable food items, funds, and gift cards to show our heroes they are valued.

If you want to contribute to an amazing cause, they are encouraging the community to drop off cash, gift cards, and food donations to the VFW Post 360.

The support is not just toys and food for holiday meals but every donation, no matter how small, will go directly to our heroes and their loved ones in efforts to give them a special Christmas.

If you're a military family that needs extra help during the holidays you are encouraged to contact your local VFW Post directly to explore some helpful resources.