On Dec. 23, St. Petersburg Lodge volunteers shared Christmas joy with Heaven on Earth for Veterans (HOEV), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in March 2013 which provides quality living, low-cost, safe living spaces for veterans in need. One of the founders is Esquire, retired Army Colonel Carol Barkalow. Volunteers put together 27 veterans’ essentials kits for HOEV residents. Donations were collected from family, friends and lodge members to average $15 per veteran. Essentials collected were shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, razors, deodorant and snacks. Publix donated reusable shopping bags. HOEV board member Ian O’Connell picked up the kits from the lodge and was thrilled to also pick up Christmas food boxes for HOEV’s eight veteran homes. The $20 Publix gift cards which were included in the Christmas food baskets were immediately used for meat purchases so the veterans would receive their complete Christmas dinner.