DETROIT (WWJ) -- This holiday season, Michiganders have the opportunity to support local veterans by giving gifts through the American Red Cross's annual "Holidays for Heroes" initiative.
"Holidays for Heroes" is a yearly program where people can buy items from a Heroes Wish List for veterans receiving care at VA hospitals, veteran homes and other specialty facilities across Michigan.
Gifts include clothing, winter accessories, affordable personal electronics, activity books, health and hygiene products, and small kitchen and household appliances.
Anyone interested in lending a helping hand can find the Heroes Wish List on Amazon. All purchased gifts will be sent directly to the Red Cross to be delivered to each veteran.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our military veterans for their service and sacrifice,” said Jessica Wheeler, regional director of the Service to the Armed Forces for the Red Cross Michigan Region. “This is one way we can show our appreciation during this time of year.”
The "Holidays for Heroes" initiative serves veterans all across the state, including several Metro Detroit locations like the Detroit VA, the Ann Arbor VA and Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township.
The last day to buy a gift is December 31.
In addition to the "Holidays for Heroes" program, the American Red Cross supports members of the military, veterans and their families through the countless challenges that come with military service, serving over 240,000 military and veteran families every year.
In Michigan alone, the Red Cross provided more than 3,000 health and wellness items to local veterans in 2022.
The Red Cross also runs the Hero Care Network, connecting service men and women, veterans and their families to free and confidential mental health care on a 24/7 basis.