Volunteers give thanks to service members overseas

TORRESDALE (WTXF) - Maggie's Waterfront Cafe was the scene for volunteers to rally the military at a Christmas party for Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors.

They are civilian volunteers stuffing bags full of goodies bound for military service members overseas.

John King brought his whole family out in a lesson for the young ones about being thankful and giving back during the holidays.

"Because they can't be here with their families, so my family is sharing with them. It's best and it's the least we can do," said John King.

A handwritten note of thanks is stuffed inside each care package heading out.

"I said happy holidays and thank you for your service and I wished for them to stay safe," said Kelly Hardiman.

Hardiman is one of hundreds who paid at least $30.00 - many donating more than that - for local service members, veterans and their families requesting help through the Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors organization.

"They come directly to us and we send out a check directly to the landlord or utility company," explained Mikki Thomas, Ambassador with Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors.

"You can appreciate when you get something from the states, that people still think about you, like, 'Do they know I'm here?'" said Air Force veteran Matt Giacobbe.

Giacobbe has been there. The 32-year Air Force veteran remembers spending the holidays hunkered down in Kuwait and Afghanistan.

"So you get a package of Tasty Kakes and you're like, 'Oh my God, from home right?' You get beef jerky or a toothbrush and toothpaste. The most simple things that we don't have out there," Giacobbe said.

Small things and words that mean everything.

"In mine, I was saying thank you for being a hero," Thomas said.

For more information, visit Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors website.