COPPERAS COVE, TX — A Copperas Cove man is using recycled Christmas trees to make canes for disabled veterans. Jamie Willis asked for old Christmas trees that would otherwise be discarded to help him in his mission.
An outpouring of support came from across Central Texas and beyond. Over 1,000 trees were donated to Canes for Veteran Central Texas.
“I never expected it to get that big, but the bigger it gets, the happier I'm getting,” said Willis.
A team of veterans came together Sunday to help prepare the trees. The group trimmed down hundreds of trees that will soon be shaped into canes.
“I don't want this to stop. I want this to keep going all year long,” said Willis.
While they no longer need trees, they do need supplies, including:
- Sandpaper grit sizes 60, 150, and 220
- Polyurethane
- Clear epoxy resin
- Draw knives
- Lathe knives
- Interleaf flap disk wheels for 4" angle grinders
- 1 1/4 rubber chair leg caps
- 1 in. paint brushes
- Angle grinders
The group also started a Go Fund Me page and Amazon wish list in support of their mission. They are also looking for work space as they seek their 501(c)(3) status.
For further questions, reach out to Canes for Veterans Central Texas at (254) 394-3150.
