Adopt a Hero for Christmas 2018

During this holiday season the 3rd & Goal Foundation made an effort to bring much needed joy to the lives of veterans and their families. Many of our veterans were simply asking for items such as coats, gloves, socks, and shoes. To say our lives are forever changed after seeing the impact we made this season would be an understatement. It was filled with lots of happy tears and overwhelming gratitude for both us and our veterans in need.

This is part of our Christmas delivery to the Columbus VA Ambulatory Care Center for families in need. 3&G proudly adopted three families from the VA this year which included nine children.

By the Numbers

• 75 - The number of Christmas care packages we handed out to formerly homeless veterans in Columbus, OH.

• 68 - The number of formerly homeless veterans we served dinner to and that joined us for a Christmas bingo night.

• 23 - The number of disabled veterans we were able to provide with a Christmas.

• 12 - The number of children we provided Christmas for.

Quotes from Veterans

• "Thank you so much for giving my kids a very merry Christmas. I am so moved and touched! I hope that everyone knows how appreciative and thankful I am. You all are so wonderful."

• "Oh my. This can't be for me. I have not had a gift to open on Christmas in over ten years. You have no idea how much this means to me. You even wrapped it!"

• "Thank you for not forgetting about me. This coat and gloves will allow me to not be cold outside anymore."

• "I lived under a bridge for so long, I can't believe I have a Christmas."

• "Please give me a hug. I just don't know what to say. I can't believe this. Thank you. Thank you. This is amazing."

Donor Spotlight

For our Adopt a Hero program this year our foundation partnered with Bowmar Nutrition to make this possible. Sarah Bowmar went with us to deliver some of the gifts to the deserving veterans. Sarah shared, "Today was incredible. Bowmar Nutrition partnered with 3rd & Goal to give disabled veterans Christmas. Many needed items like socks, shoes, and coats. Many said they hadn't received a gift in years. TC stole my heart. He started crying over socks. SOCKS. It really put things into perspective. He said a dozen prayers for us and kept calling us his angels. My heart and soul are full knowing that we were able to give this incredible man the Christmas he deserved."

Sara Bowmar with TC.

This is what making a difference and the season of giving is all about. Bring on 2019!