This holiday season, we all gather with friends and family to celebrate the spirit of goodwill, compassion and appreciation for one another.  We reflected on the past in anticipation of the future. Many remember good times and prosperity, however, those that are not so fortunate wonder how their lives fell apart and how it resulted in their unexpected homeless state. As we sit down to our holiday celebrations, I ask you to remember our homeless veterans, especially those whom are isolated without a place to share with others, or to call “home.” The holiday season is particularly difficult for those who are estranged from their families. Yet year after year I witness the benevolence of our community when it comes to delivering gifts to our young during the festive holiday season. However, homeless veterans will be overlooked simply because many of us don’t think of adults who might be needy, homeless and quite possibly overlooked during the holidays.

I am making a personal appeal on behalf of these honorable veterans in hope that we will consider including them on our gift lists so they will not be “left behind” once again and go through the holidays without recognition for their honorable service to our country. Please contact Jeff Luddeke (813) 352-7856 to make a donation to a deserving veteran this holiday season. Your donation is completely tax-deductible and you will be helping veterans who have already made many sacrifices for our sake and the freedom that we enjoy in America today.