Thursday, May 23, 2013 | 3:47 a.m.
Hi, (not you?) | Member Center | Sign Out
Posted: 8:41 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24, 2012
comment(1)
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. —
A handful of veterans, down on their luck, got some holiday help Monday.
Bikers for First Amendment Rights provided homeless vets with a hot meal, a free haircut and a backpack full of clothes, gift cards and supplies.
Lorenzo Jones, a veteran who's no longer homeless, said he lived in the woods a year ago.
"It was an opportunity to get off of the streets, have a safe place to sleep. I made some new friends here, they gave me a place to live, they trusted me," Jones said.
Jones was one of seven veterans who got back on their feet after going to the veterans post in Holly Hill called Bikers for First Amendment Rights.
It was the second year in a row local vets, residents and businesses chipped in money to provide for homeless vets during Christmas.
"They get hotel rooms for two nights, they get haircuts, put food clothing -- it's just something that makes you feel good," said "Crazy" Eddy of Bikers for First Amendment Rights.
Close to 30 people in need were expected this year.
It took more than $3,000 to put the event on, not including the food and supplies. Organizers said it's a small price to pay to help those who served.
"These guys and gals that you see here, they need to know that they still have the support of the American people. They need to know that they're not just out on the streets and forgotten," said Ray Simonetti of American Legion Post 361.
Veterans taking part in the program will get a Christmas breakfast and dinner and they'll get to stay at a hotel again Tuesday night.
comment(1)
© 2013 Cox Media Group. By using this website,
you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices
.
Already have an account? Sign In
{* #registrationForm *} {* traditionalRegistration_displayName *} {* traditionalRegistration_emailAddress *} {* traditionalRegistration_password *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirm *}Already have an account? Sign In
{* #registrationFormBlank *} {* registration_firstName *} {* registration_lastName *} {* traditionalRegistration_displayName *} {* traditionalRegistration_emailAddressBlank *} {* registration_birthday *} {* registration_gender *} {* registration_postalZip *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordBlank *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirmBlank *} {* agreeToTerms *}We have sent you a confirmation email. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account.
We look forward to seeing you frequently. Visit us and sign in to update your profile, receive the latest news and keep up to date with mobile alerts.
Don't worry, it happens. We'll send you a link to create a new password.
{* #forgotPasswordForm *} {* forgotPassword_emailAddress *}We have sent you an email with a link to change your password.
We've sent an email with instructions to create a new password. Your existing password has not been changed.
To sign in you must verify your email address. Fill out the form below and we'll send you an email to verify.
{* #resendVerificationForm *} {* resendVerification_emailAddress *}Check your email for a link to verify your email address.

You're Almost Done!
Select a display name and password
{* #socialRegistrationForm *} {* socialRegistration_displayName *} {* socialRegistration_emailAddress *} {* traditionalRegistration_password *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirm *}Tell us about yourself
{* registration_firstName *} {* registration_lastName *} {* registration_postalZip *} {* registration_birthday *} {* registration_gender *} {* agreeToTerms *}