Veterans honored at 10th annual appreciation event

Healing Heroes celebrated its 10th annual Veterans Appreciation Day at Niagara Falls High School on Saturday.

What began with just 60 attendees has grown into over 300 in attendance. Veterans and their immediate families were welcomed, free of charge, with a sit-down dinner. The veterans were given free massages by local massage therapists and haircuts by the Gentleman’s Club Barber Shop of Tonawanda.

Local businesses, as well as community members themselves donated more than 150 baskets. A group of three Sam’s Club employees heard about the event and donated $175 toward a large-screen smart TV that the organization was purchasing.

Dr. Kristin Jacobsen, founder and president of Hands Healing Heroes, was overwhelmed with the response from the local community and said, “Although I have lived in numerous places across the globe over my 53 years, there is nowhere that I have ever experienced greater compassion and generosity than that of the community of Niagara Falls. I am so blessed to call this my home for the last 24 years.”

Jacobsen added, “The veterans that we have met during the last decade are the most humble and awesome group of people. They are the grit of this nation. I am ever so grateful for the opportunity to serve them through our organization. It’s an incredible team to be a part of.”