LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- "Off and on I've ended up on the streets because I didn't make the right choices," said former homeless veteran Todd Tripton.
He turned to drugs and alcohol after leaving the Army. "It had me going to the emergency room three, four times in one day," he told WHAS11.
Not surprising to him, he ended up on the streets. Some nights shivering himself to sleep. "I didn't have enough coats. I suffered. It was my own fault, but you know, I suffered," Tripton said.
Blame aside, the Louisville VA is relying on you to make a vet's Christmas worthwhile. They are taking clothing donations as part of their 'Christmas for Homeless Vets' drive.
"Whether you buy one shirt or you adopt a veteran, there is something you can do," said Rhonda Parero, a VA voluntary service specialist.
Donations are also welcome for veteran's families which Parero says often go without, too. With winter weather here, Tripton believes your generosity will warm the hearts of those who continue to sleep in the cold.
"It's really beautiful what they've done," Tripton said.
If you would like to take part in the donation drive, you can call (502) 287-6221 or send an email to vhalouvavs@va.gov.
The Louisville VA is accepting clothing through Monday.