As people discuss what they’re thankful for and how to give this holiday season, one local organization that helps veterans is holding a matching fundraiser. HERO, Helping at English River Outfitters, is a non-profit organization run by volunteers that works to help veterans. Dave Lewis with HERO says a benefit of the program is that it gives veterans connections, and a place to open up, “And that might be after a hunt, or after a fishing trip, or just after a day in the woods, but sitting around the campfire it’s amazing the connections the veterans make. And through our experience over the last 11 years we’ve had 60, that’s six-zero, veterans that have reported directly to us that we have prevented their suicide. Because they felt like they didn’t connect, didn’t fit in, just didn’t belong anymore, and sitting around the campfire they realized that I’m not alone in this. They realized that there is a way forward with this.” That’s also 60 families who aren’t missing a loved one this holiday season.

Lewis is holding a fundraiser now through December 30th. His challenge is to have HERO receive $5,000 in donations, and he’ll match that. He’s over halfway to his goal with 48 different people donating so far. Click here to visit the fundraiser on Facebook. Those funds will go to HERO for events including hunting and camping trips for veterans at no cost to them.