Central Texas veteran uses donated Christmas trees to make wooden canes

So in 2016, US Army veteran Jamie Willis started the “Canes for Veterans Central Texas” effort. Since then he has made more than 200 canes using donated Christmas trees.

KEMPNER, Texas - Jamie Willis started a heartfelt holiday tradition back in 2016 but he never imagined it would become this large.

Willis served eight years in the U.S. Army and when he had an accident, he turned to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs for a cane.

“I was using one of the VA canes, the metal ones and it kept breaking,” he said.

He turned to a man by the name of Oscar known for making personalized canes and shipping them cross-country.

“I reached out to him but he was in the process of making 500 canes and he couldn't fit me on the list at the time. But he walked me through the steps of making the cane. I first thought there is no way possible I could do that. He's like yes you can…try it,” said Willis.

So in 2016, Willis started the “Canes for Veterans Central Texas” effort. Since then he has made more than 200 canes using donated Christmas trees. He hears any and all requests from veterans and non-veterans from all over.

“Most of them give us a brief story about why they need a cane, and sometimes it's really heartfelt. I sometimes break down,” he said.

“It makes us feel, especially me, like we did something for them that is a piece of history, it's their life it's who they are now,” said Skylar Kline, secretary and social media manager.

The canes come engraved with anything the veteran holds dear...making it much different from a metal cane.

“It just makes it look rustic and homely and it just feels good,” said Kline.

Willis believes he found his calling and it's a tradition he hopes to continue for as long as possible.

“I don't think the veterans get enough respect and enough treatment as they should. I also suffer from PTSD and I feel that working with the canes is another way to keep my mind busy instead of staying at home and being depressed.

Trees can be dropped off in person at 1514 Quail Meadows Drive in Kempner and monetary donations can be made to help with shipping costs. To request a cane, click here.