Can you help buy a Christmas tree for a deserving veteran?

A special program is under way to provide Christmas cheer to area veterans, and you can help.

The Trees for Vets program sponsored by the non-profit The Kaufman Fund will provide over 300 veterans and their families with Christmas trees and stands. Because of the pandemic, the Fund’s normal fund-raising programs to support vets have been curtailed necessitating this public appeal for financial support.

The trees program, launched in 2014, has provided over 1,500 trees and stands to area vets.

KNOW A VET IN NEED?
If you know of a vet in need of a tree this Christmas, go to thekaufmanfund.org/request-a-tree, urges Al Finkelstein, member of the Fund’s board of directors.

“While trees are limited, we’ve never turned down a request,” he said.

A tree and stand costs $30. Veterans will need to pick up trees in West County on Sunday, Dec. 13. Veterans selected will receive a confirmation letter with a scheduled pickup time and location. The veteran must bring the emailed confirmation letter to receive a tree and stand.

To help with a financial donation, go to thekaufmanfund.org.  Donations also can be mailed to The Kaufman Fund, PO Box 41072, Creve Coeur, MO, 63141-0742.

OTHER SUPPORT EFFORTS
Any funds donated that exceed the tree expenses will be used to support other The Kaufman Fund programs that include:

• Legal Help: The Kaufman Fund assists veterans with limited ability to pay for or access legal help by providing legal services free of charge or at a significantly reduced cost.
• Dental Services: Veterans do not have government support for dental services unless they are 100 percent disabled, yet many need dental services. The Kaufman Fund’s program works with local dentists to provide assistance.
• Veteran Warmup: With the assistance of St. Patrick Center, The Kaufman Fund provides winter coats, hats and gloves to veterans in need.
• Mental Health: Every day in the U.S., 20 veterans die from suicide and 40,000 a day are homeless, often as a result of mental health issues. The Kaufman Fund, working with the Veterans Administration and several mental health service organizations in the St. Louis area, provides help to veterans and their families.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn about all The Kaufman Fund programs and how you can help, visit their website at thekaufmanfund.org.