TULSA, Okla. — A Tulsa man is on a mission to feed homeless veterans, one knick-knack at a time.
Les Brandt began raising money for children's hospitals, then found Charitable Solutions, a non-profit that helps veterans. Brandt sits outside Sam's Clubs around Tulsa with all kinds of stuff to sell. His mission to raise money is the selling point.
That's where both the non-profit and Brandt learned about Coffee Bunker, another non-profit that helps veterans transition back into normal day life.
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So, Brandt came up with the idea to set up shop at various locations across Tulsa to sell items, the proceeds go to the Coffee Bunker and help feed homeless veterans.
Brandt said he does it because he can, and there is a need to help those in need, "I tell people that ask me about why I do this. I do it because I can. My heart says go help somebody.".
As the holidays near, Brandt and the Coffee Bunker expect to feed over 300 veterans between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Last weekend, Brandt almost sold out of everything and told 2 News that people want to help in any way they can.
"There's a bunch of folks that have the same heart and talked to thousands of people, and thousands and thousands of people came by, and some don't want anything," Brandt said. "We have a big sign we put out front that tells us what we do. And a lot of people don't want anything. They just want to help with what we do because they say I can't do it, but I can."
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The little one-stop shop sells a variety of seasonal items, including ornaments, hot pads, candy, nuts, and toys, for either $5 or $10.
Brandt told 2 News $5 is the amount for a meal for a veteran.
And with the toys you buy, you give. So, you buy a toy, and Brandt gives a toy to a veteran's child.
Brandt and volunteers are at Sam’s Club locations across Green Country, the main shop at the 71st and Mingo location. The shop is also set up at gun shows, fairs, and craft shows.
"Wherever we can go to raise money to help veterans," Brandt said.
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