Over 130 wishes fill angel tree at Tennessee State Veterans’ Home

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. — Christmas spirit is in the air at the Tennessee State Veterans’ Home. You can see it as you walk through the front doors of the facility.

The nine foot tall glowing Christmas tree has hanging on it more than 130 wishes from veterans this year.

“We ask people in the community to come and pick a card and purchase the gifts that are on the card, to make a veteran or their spouse’s day a little brighter,” said Carol Holt, activity director for Tennessee State Veterans’ Home.

The facility currently has 130 residents that need Christmas gifts. For that reason, the program started early this year to ensure each resident gets picked. Each item is a personal request from residents and their spouses

“We’re asking for warm pajamas, warm sweaters; some of the guys like candy,” said Holt.

Unwrapped gifts are asked to be brought back to the facility by December 13. Veterans will get to open their gifts at the Christmas party on Wednesday, December 18.

“They are just like kids, they are like, ‘Hey, hey! Have you got my present? Where is it at?’ So, it’s lovely! It’s like getting to see them relive their childhood sometimes. They really enjoy it and their faces light up, and it’s so much fun,” said Holt.

For those who cannot get out to purchase a gift, they can donate visa, Walmart, or Target gift cards and staff will purchase gift for those who did not get picked. The Tennessee State Veterans’ Home is located at 2865 East Main Street in Humboldt. For questions, you can reach out to them at 731-784-8405.

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