Annual poppy drive benefits area veterans
By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
Maple Creek Distributors in Charleroi is again hoping to wrap up the holidays with a gift for area veterans.
Each year, the business decorates a Christmas tree with red Buddy Poppies for a good cause.
Owner Elaine McGaughey started the fundraiser in 2015 to honor her husband, Joseph McGaughey, and late brother, Russell Weaver, who each served in Vietnam.
The poppies are purchased from disabled veterans, with help from the American Legion Post 22 Auxiliary, and placed on the tree.
Customers purchase a poppy for a monetary amount of their choice during December. This year’s tree has more than 600 poppies.
Each customer who buys a poppy may write a name on the tag and place it on the tree.
The collection begins after Thanksgiving and runs through the beginning of the new year, with proceeds supporting veterans and their families.
McGaughey said in the past, donations have been made to Pittsburgh hospitals, Wreaths Across America and Pets for Vets.
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