HAMPTON, Va. — A local man has made it his mission to give back to veterans who are hospitalized during the holidays.
Rick Mulligan, who's a veteran himself, hosts an annual fundraiser to buy comfort items for injured veterans. On Friday, he delivered close to 200 care bags packed with socks, blankets, toiletries, and more at the Hampton VA.
"The people here gave everything they could and I don't want them to feel forgotten about. So, when the holidays come, I want them to know that the community thinks about them, you know, remembers what they've done for us," said Mulligan.
Kids at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and School make cards for the veterans each year - something Mulligan says they truly cherish.
He says the effort was made possible by many people and groups, including the following: Donovan Bradley, the owner of Fertitta's Diner; Randy Thompson, the owner of Vanguard Brewpub; Capri Pizza, the Willow Oaks branch of Truist Bank; Mike and Lori with the Virginia Coaches Association; Creasy & Whiteed Sheetmetal; Causey Contracting; Mark Bucci with Tidewater Prosthodontics; Mary Martin with the Mill Creek Tavern; and Lematta Chiropractic, who lent office space to assemble all 199 gift bags.
Mulligan says they're "all heroes for their financial support and care for our veterans."
