Welcome Home Military Heroes Veteran Angel Tree Program Success

Welcome Home Military Heroes celebrated its fifth annual Veterans Angel Tree program.

“This year has been our most successful year yet,” said Cheryl Tran, co-founder and secretary of the organization.

Members of the organization worked with social workers and the Facebook group Welcome Home Military Heroes Patriots to make this event a success, coming from Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties.

The organization calls gift givers “angels” and grants 296 wishes for veterans and their families.

Welcome Home Military Heroes place a Christmas tree in a specific location (usually a business), “welcome” the Military Hero, fill out a card indicating their needs, and place the card on the tree. Anyone can receive this card and gift he can buy a gift or two and take it back to the business to donate.

“We have grown to six tree locations including Lontal Salon, Coastal Peaks Coffee, A La Carte Gift Store, Peacock Cellars, Oak Knolls Hardware Store and American Legion Post 534 in Orcutt.”

Welcome Home Military Heroes is responsible for shipping items.

“We collect the gifts, take them to the wrapping station, and tag each with the recipient’s name,” says Tolan.

Most of this year’s requests are:

• gas gift card
• grocery gift card
• blanket
• warm coat
• toy
• Children’s wear
• books

This year, they estimate that the “angels” have amassed approximately $17,000 worth of items.

After eleven years of service to the community, Welcome Home Military Heroes have not yet completed their mission.

If you are interested in participating in this program or other Veteran Services offered throughout the year, please join our Facebook Group or “Welcome Back Military Heroes Patriots” or go to them website.