Veterans home gets a holiday surprise

HUTSONVILLE, IL (WTHI) - An Illinois veterans home gets an early Christmas surprise.

The Wabash Valley Correctional Facility delivered a van full of presents to the Heritage House, a home for disabled veterans.

The gifts and handmade goodies are from the P.L.U.S. Unit (Purposeful Living Units Serve) at the Wabash Correctional Facility, a group of men helping others while serving time.

"We do have a lot of veterans and this is something near and dear to their hearts," Diana Daughtery of the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility said. "They enjoy doing those types of projects because they know they're giving back."

The room was full of smiling veterans as the prison officials handed out presents.

"They thought of us and I'm thankful for that," Kenneth Krutsinger said.

"I just think it's wonderful for veterans, no matter what situation they're in, [that] they can reach out to each other," Kathy Skaer said.

Beyond the holiday décor the inmates' work is everywhere.

A flag they made hangs inside, and quilts they crafted from years past are put to good use.

It's become a holiday tradition.

While the inmates may be in prison, their good work won't be forgotten.

"We all make mistakes in life but that doesn't mean we can't move on to better things," Skaer said.

Friday, the prison will take gifts to another veterans hospital in Lafayette, Indiana.

All of the materials used by the P.L.U.S. Unit are donated.

If you'd like to make a donation you can call the correctional facility at (812) 398-5050.