Pocono News Section

Business Decorates a Veteran's Home for Free

Business Decorates a Veteran's Home for Free - Monday, December 7, 2009 at 3:23PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, Dec 7, 2009 @ 03:23pm EST

TOBYHANNA TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - An area company decorate a veteran's home for free Monday morning. The community nominated Ralph Keiper to receive the Christmas gift from Strauser Nature's Helpers/Christmas Decor.

Forget Santa's jingle bells, in Pocono Pines the beep of a delivery truck signaled the arrival of a special Christmas present. Keiper smiled, "I was excited."

The crew from Strauser Nature's Helpers/Christmas Decor showed up with a truck full of lights and garland. Owner Zechari Strauser said, "We felt that it was a great way to give something back to people that normally wouldn't have such a service done."

Keiper said, "It was good because I could no longer get outside and climb or anything so for me to go outside and put up lights would be a major, major effort." He told Eyewitness News his Christmas display used to rival Clark Griswold's but his health took a turn for the worst six years ago. He sighed, "The days of doing anything like that are gone."

The crew spent several hours here decorating and once the season is over they'll take it all down. If Ralph would have paid for the service it would have cost him at least $600.

Strauser said, "To appreciate the things that I think we take for granted - our freedom and people that they put their life on the line for our country - and that allows us to be in business." It's the business of lighting up houses, and warming up spirits."I believe in the miracles of Christmas," said Keiper.

The project is part of a national campaign through Christmas Decor. Last year the company decorated about 100 houses. This year they hope to double that.