CBS 58's Hometown Athlete: Coach P's veteran giveback game 18 years strong

FRANKLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Franklin boys basketball head coach Tyler Podoll joined in a game with Greenfield High School this year.

"And I decided to make it a combination effort, to donate to veterans associations," Podoll says. "We started doing cold weather winter, winter packs. Cold weather supplies. And we would still do the team meal. We've had teams from Bay View, South Division, Greenfield, Janesville, Parker."

It's an effort to help the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative in West Allis.

"We asked them to donate an item," Podoll says. "Toothpaste, toothbrushes, non-perishables like macaronis and soups, to jackets, sweaters, scarves, vests."

"Life lessons and values and kind of what you want your kids and program to be about is serving other people," Greenfield head boys basketball coach Ryan DePouw says. "And doing something for other people. So, no time better than the holidays."

Podoll knows. He was once a struggling veteran himself.

"I'm a veteran," Podoll says. "And it's dear to my heart. And I have a lot of friends that are struggling veterans that I was in the military with, and ultimately, at this time of the year? I've also been a veteran that's struggled in the past, immediately out of the military, and I had people help me with that."

These essentials mean the world to those struggling during what should be a joyous season.

"Such a great opportunity to do something nice for people during the holidays," DePouw says. "People in need. Homeless veterans."