TAMPA, Fla. -- A Bay area organization is watching out for troops and veterans during the holiday season by delivering care packages.
- Stano Foundation sends troops, veterans care packages
- The organization was started in 2015
- Care packages include items like food, toiletries and holiday cards
The Stano Foundation has been helping out active duty troops since 2015 by sending them care packages full of all sorts of things from food and toiletries to games and holiday cards.
In fact, the organization just had its biggest year, packing and sending 750 care packages.
Now it's expanding their services to help out veterans in Tampa Bay.
"A lot of people forget about the veterans," said Charles Thomas, a former Marine who recently joined the Stano Foundation. "Once you serve your time, it's kind of like, now what."
Volunteers delivered dozens of what they call veteran gratitude gifts to Liberty Manor in Tampa, a home that takes in homeless veterans.
"Not only is it something that they need, something that they can use, but it's a reminder that they're not forgotten," Liberty Manor volunteer Junie Johnson said.
The boxes include all kinds of items like hygiene products, snacks and games.
It's a small gesture that goes a long way.
"I think people forget we're not at war, but our troops are still out there. These veterans who fought in all kinds of wars should be remembered each and every day," said Paula Stano, who started the foundation.
Stano started it as a way to help troops during the holidays after her son joined the Marines.
If you'd like to help out, visit the organization's Facebook page.