No Veteran Left Behind This Christmas: East Mountain B.R.A.V.E. Seeks Donations and Nominations

HELPING VETS! A local nonprofit is launching a community-wide holiday effort to ensure area military veterans and their families have food, gifts, and companionship this Christmas season.

East Mountain B.R.A.V.E. — which stands for Building Resources Advocacy Veteran Empowerment — announced a series of holiday initiatives aimed at supporting struggling military households and isolated senior veterans.

Under the organization’s Christmas Assistance program, veteran families residing in the East Mountain area who need support can apply to receive gifts for children, meals for the family, and holiday supplies. Applications are being reviewed on an ongoing basis by the nonprofit, with a strict submission deadline of Dec. 1.

In addition to family aid, the group is focusing on older service members through its Senior Veteran Christmas project. Community members are encouraged to nominate veterans ages 65 and older who may be spending the holidays without family nearby.

To support the effort, organizers are collecting donations of new, unused items for senior veterans. Suggested donations include:

• Lap blankets, beanies, and warm socks
• Sudoku and puzzle books
• Gas cards and general retail gift cards
• Packaged snacks and treats

Organizers noted that any thoughtful contribution is welcome to help ensure older veterans feel remembered and appreciated.

East Mountain residents interested in applying for assistance, nominating a senior veteran, or donating items can contact the organization by phone at 520-632-6322, by email at Veteranbrave26@gmail.com, or online at eastmountainbrave.org.