ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio – Robert Thomas, Vice President of Thomas Auto Centers in St. Clairsville, said humility and gratitude inspired him to found a program to help veterans and their families during the Christmas season.
Thomas and his wife Robin started a Military Freedom Tree in 2012 just for veterans in need and their families. Thomas said they helped just three families that first year and now help around 32 families in the Ohio Valley area, mostly in Ohio and in West Virginia. He said one of the first families included the parents, five children and a service dog. The family was living on only $1,500 per month.
I feel pretty humble being in this building. without our veterans nothing we have would be possible. You know, it’s right around Christmas time in October, November, then you hear all the ads for kids and shoes and stuff like that. My wife and I talked about. She jumped on board with me, so we created a Freedom Tree. She’s a big part of it.
Robert Thomas, Vice President of Thomas Auto Centers
Thomas buys around 20,000 Walmart gift cards each year for the veterans and their families. He said each person receives a $100 gift card and that allows them to buy whatever they want, whether it’s clothes and toiletries, or even prescriptions. He buys the cards through St. Mary’s School in St. Clairsville through their scrip program, so the school benefits from the purchase also.
But they don’t stop with gift cards. The families receive toys for the kids and some of Thomas’s customers donate quilts. Others donate wooden trains and bicycles. Thomas says the kids ages 13 to 17 are most in need of gifts since they are often overlooked due to people focusing on little kids. Thomas suggested makeup kits and science project toys for the adolescent age group. They avoid buying clothes since they do not ask for sizes.
Community groups play a big role in the Military Freedom Tree. Legion Riders Post 366 from Flushing presented a check for $10,000 to the project from their poker run.
JoAnn Jones and other artists will perform on Dec. 7 at the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling where the Military Freedom Tree will be featured.
Thomas said others refer the veterans to him. Most vets are very proud and do not want to ask for help, he explained.
If you are interested in donating to the Military Freedom Tree or referring a veteran, call Thomas at (740) 695-0452 or visit the Thomas Auto website at https://www.thomasautocenters.com/
The deadline to donate is Dec. 10.
