POLK TOWNSHIP -- Paul's House in the Poconos is a haven for homeless veterans to get some much-needed help getting back on their feet.
On Wednesday, a big donation was dropped off to help those who served us.
The mower was fired up and ready along with a load of other power tools, all brand new, ready to get work done at Paul's House near Brodheadsville.
There's about $5,000 worth of equipment, all donated by the Pocono Lions Club to this haven for homeless vets.
"The Lions, we spend a lot of time here volunteering and we just saw the need, so for us to take on this project, it was kind of like a no-brainer," said Pocono Lions Club President David Carbone.
The Pocono Lions Club proudly presented these items to the shelter, which used to be the Hotel Jonas.
The donation was given with the help of several area veterans organizations and Cramer's Hardware.
Now it's up to the veterans to do the yard work.
"This isn't a free ride. We want to get them in some sort of routine. They have to take part in their own care. Part of that is caring for the grounds, preparing their meals," said Mark Baylis of the Valor Clinic Foundation which runs Paul's House.
All of this brand new lawn equipment comes just in time for spring, to take care of the grounds as the grass is turning green, and the tulips are just starting to spring up through the ground.
Army veteran Howard Crockett is one of the eight veterans staying at Paul's House, with his dog Apache. He lost his home in Bethlehem to a fire.
"It was time for me to move forward and stop talking the talk and start walking the walk and this was a God-sent gift because I love the mountains. I'm a Crockett. We belong in the mountains," said Crockett.
Crockett says he looks forward to using these tools to do the yard work , all while getting his life back on track.
"I can't believe there are so many people out there that go out of their way to help vets," said Crockett.
The Pocono Lions Club is looking for donations to help cover part of the cost of these lawn care tools.
Donations can be sent through www.poconolions.org
You Can Mail Donations to:
Pocono Lions Club
P.O. Box 899
Pocono Pines, PA 18350
Make Checks Payable to the Pocono Lions Club.