YOUNGSTOWN — Despite a freezing rain Sunday morning, every spot in the Cornersburg Sparkle supermarket parking lot was full and people were lined up under the awnings down two sides of the building.

That is because the Tri-State Marine Corps League Detachment 494, VFW Austintown 4237 and VFW Hubbard 3767 gave away $50 Sparkle gift certificates to the first 300 veterans in line.

“There is a need out there and we want to fill it,” said Mike Morgenstern of Poland, who is in both the Marine Corps League and VFW 3767.

He said they work the entire year to raise money for the project. Each of the three organizations, as well as Sparkle, contributed in order to come up with the $15,000 worth of gift cards.

Elwood Walker of Brookfield said in addition to fundraising, the Marine Corps League has a “ship store” all year at the Four Seasons flea market on U.S. Route 422 in Youngstown, where they sell various items such as patches, caps and sweatshirts to generate money for this purpose.

The veterans at the front of the line stood outside at 7:45 a.m. for the 10 a.m. giveaway. Army veteran Eddie Anderson, 80, of Youngstown, alternated between sitting on his walker and leaning on his cane. He said that because he is disabled, he needs additional help with groceries.

Clarence Christian of Youngstown, who served in the Navy 1977 to 1988, said he didn’t mind the wait, observing, “when you’re in the service, you get used to standing in line.”

Lowellville resident Jeff Gulling of the Marine Corps League said he participated last year so he wasn’t surprised by the crowd. He said he hoped this would “give the veterans a nicer Christmas. It could be the difference between a cheap cut of meat and a good ham.”

He especially praised Sparkle head cashier and office manager Mary Schlosser for her support, stating, “Mary was really wonderful to us.”

Jay Mershimer of Hubbard was in the Air Force during the Vietnam era. He said, “I was in when it wasn’t cool,” so he appreciates being recognized for his service now.

His wife Jean, who stayed outside with him, added, “It’s nice to be thought of. If it wasn’t for you guys, we wouldn’t be here.”