Lynn students pull off holiday surprise for local veterans

LYNN, Mass. -- A group of Lynn High School students made it their mission to honor veterans this holiday season.

The 800 students at the Lynn Vocational Technical Institute were tasked with raising $22 to buy supplies like blankets, pots and pans, 'welcome home' signs, and a tv - a list from the veterans in town.

The students worked with agencies in Lynn to find veterans and get wish lists from their families.

"I think it's so important because I also have family who is serving," Erick Martinez, a senior, said. "I see the impact they can make and the lives they can change by truly fighting for our country."

But the generosity didn't stop with these students.

A project leader said when the class was waiting to pay for their presents at the register, someone in line insisted on paying the entire bill.

With their leftover money, the students bought more gifts.

They raised more than $10,000 to buy gifts and surprise the veterans at an assembly Friday.

A teacher at the school has been working with students since 2014 to keep the veteran programs running.

Since June, the school has helped 157 veterans get housing - making Lynn the first city in Massachusetts to end veteran homelessness.

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