HASTINGS, MINN. — A local organization is giving back to those currently doing so and serving this season. Military members and their families lined up to receive holiday gifts from the United Heroes League and Tradition Capital Bank.
United Heroes League is helping military moms, like Sadie Grinsell, with its first “Great Holiday Gift Giveaway.” Captain Grinsell just returned from Kuwait three days ago and the nonprofit and their partners made her return even more special.
“Oh, I’m so excited. We were all hoping to be home for Christmas,” said Captain Grinsell.
About five thousand people showed up for the gift drive, which lined the grounds with hundreds of pallets of gifts for these military families.
“I get to play some football because I love football,” said Ivan Ehret, the son of a veteran.
“I deployed over Christmas,” said Joshua Calonna, who is part of the 934th Air Force Reserve. “So to be able to come back to Minnesota and be home and see the snow… It’s amazing. It’s hard to explain”
And yes… Mr. and Mrs. “C” were there too. “They need our support all year long. They have sacrificed a lot,” said Santa and Mrs. Clause.
The military kids aren’t walking around school with a sign that says, ‘I’m a military kid,’ and they may be having a really hard time,” said Shane Hudella, founder of the United Heroes League.
Toys with a total value of almost $2 million were collected during the event. What’s left is donated to Toys for Tots.
For more information about the United Heroes League, visit their website.
Frankie McLister
