West Philly Agency Brightens Christmas Day For Hundreds of Local Veterans
By Justin Udo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- While the kids are opening their gifts and the family chef is preparing dinner today, volunteers at a shelter for Philadelphia-area military veterans are making sure that local vets get an opportunity to enjoy the holidays as well.
Philadelphia Veterans Comfort House executive director David Kamioner says last year they serviced more than 200 veterans (see related story) and this year they are expecting to double that number.
"First of all, they'll come in and have presents under the tree. They'll have a Christmas meal with all of the trimmings. We have a clothes bank, where they will be able to get free items -- socks, coats, toiletries, anything they would like," Kamioner tells KYW Newsradio.
Kevin Hobson, a US Navy veteran, spent some time living in the Veterans Comfort House and says it helped him get on his feet.
And, he says, he still likes to come back to share this day with fellow veterans and volunteers.
"I really felt good when I walked up -- the camaraderie is great," he said this morning.
The Veterans Comfort House, at 41st Street and Baltimore Avenue in West Philadelphia, doesn't just serve veterans who come in through the front door -- they take their mission to the streets, handing out dinners and presents to veterans who need them.
