City collecting Christmas gifts for veterans in hospice
Just a few days are left to fulfill a Christmas wish for a veteran in local hospice care.
Amanda Houck, Executive Director of Heart of Hospice, said they are extending the deadline to drop off gifts for veterans in hospice care from Friday, Dec. 15, to Monday, Dec. 18.
Heart of Hospice has sponsored the Hero Tree at Madison City Hall every Christmas for the past five years.
“Let's make this holiday season unforgettable for those who have served and sacrificed for our country,” a statement on Madison the City's social media reads. “Spread the word, share the joy, and let's come together as a community to show our gratitude.”
Houck puts flags with information about a veteran in need in local hospice care. Those in the community can come and pick up a flag and buy presents based on the needs on the flag. The presents can then be dropped of at city hall where they will then be distributed to the veterans for Christmas.
“As we have done this we have found that these are usually very basic needs,” Houck said. “Socks or a sweatsuit or stamps. It is a great way to give back to those who served our country.”
Matt Smith, director of public relations and communications for the city, said he and his wife picked a flag earlier this year. They bought sheet sets, a comforter and a selection of jazz CDs for their veteran.
“There has been a decent response,” Smith said. “We have presents under the tree.”
Houck said this year they have identified about 235 veterans in need. She said in the five years they have done this her organization has been able to fill every request.
As of her last count, she said they had around 120 requests filled. Heart of Hospice serves the Madison, Hinds and Rankin Counties. She said the Madison Hero Tree is one of three in the area. including one at the VFW in Jackson and another at the Heart of Hospice office in Flowood.
She said the Madison City Hall tree has always yielded the most donations and has been a constant location for the program in the five years they have done it.
She noted there are still probably 25 flags on the tree in Madison.