Christmas will arrive early for 60 veterans in the care of the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, thanks to the giving spirit of Tamaqua ABC Hi-Rise residents.

The group has spent the last two months crocheting lap blankets, and gathering snacks, games and clothing items for the service personnel.

“This is for those who live at the VA. They have everything from dementia to PTSD to OCD,” said resident Kathleen Turner. “They went through hell and back - and you can’t forget them.”

Turner said that when she asked neighbors if they’d be interested in making the holidays brighter for vets, everyone was on board.

“When I mentioned it, it took off like lightning,” she said. “There are 191 residents here and they all helped.”

Those who know how to crochet made lap blankets, using red, white and blue yarn. Others donated items for the gift bags - things like candy, socks, hats, gloves, puzzle books and scarves. Even the bags were handcrafted.

“We made the bags of this soft felt so the veterans can use them as pillowcases,” Turner said.

They also arranged to have cookies and cupcakes for the vets thanks to donations from Kay’s Kakes and Dunkin’ Donuts in Tamaqua; Weis Markets and Giant Food Store in Hazleton; Cake Pros in Schuylkill Haven, and Canteen Vending Services in Frackville.

Turner also asked Child Development in Tamaqua to have children create cards for the vets. Dave Borden from Reading turned over dozens of T-shirts.

“We have baskets and baskets and baskets of stuff,” Turner said. “Everybody, I mean everybody, contributed.”

A contingent of about 12 will drop off the gifts on Saturday morning.

“We have to let the veterans know that we care. It’s very important because some of them don’t even get visitors,” Turner said.