Last week, 21 news reported that members of the Mahoning County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 2 are handing out $5,000 in gift cards for the holidays. Each gift card is worth $50, and is meant to help veterans who are struggling to pay for groceries.

On Sunday, the group gave away 157 gift cards in less than an hour.

Veterans stood in line for the gift cards. Once the DAV table was set up at the Sparkle Market in Cornersburg, members handed out the gift cards to the first veterans in line.

The veterans who waited for the cards showed their appreciation.

“I was in a long time ago in the Vietnam era. You know, these people all have fought for their lives for this country,” said Richard Sharpe of Youngstown.

“It's such a wonderful thing that the DAV recognizes the service members for what they've done. The few extra dollars that they are providing with the gift card can make a nice Christmas for a lot of people who are less fortunate,” said Jack Marino, Canfield.

Some of the veterans said they need the gift cards to buy food for Christmas dinner.

“I'm on disability so, I only get $23 in food stamps a month, so this is a great relief of financial burden,” said Mark Beil of Austintown. “It’s a big need for all veterans in the valley. I mean not just me, but you know, there are not very much around for the veterans.”

While passing out gift cards, the DAV raised $450 in donations. Members of the DAV said the veterans they spoke to were grateful.

“These people are so thankful. I mean, we are just glad we can help out a little bit to help out for Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner and stuff like that,” said Bob Cooper, treasurer and fundraising chair for the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 2.

People started to line near the front of the building about two hours early. The DAV gave all 100 gift cards away in just 45 minutes. 

“It was about 45 minutes and we were done. We passed out 157 cards. It's the economy. You know, it's costing 25% more for a Thanksgiving meal this year than it did last year,” said Dale Baringer, Mahoning County Veterans Service Commissioner.

Even though the group gave away all the gift cards, members are encouraging veterans who need help to reach out.

“We give out wheelchairs and scooters. Once a month, we give out 50 bags of groceries to people who are shut in too. So, if anybody needs anything like that, all they got to do is call us. And, we'll make arrangements to see if they can get taken care of,” said Cooper.

You can reach out to the Mahoning County DAV Chapter 2 at 330-774-8479.

The Marine Corp League is also giving to Veterans who visit the Sparkle Market in Cornersburg on December 15.