NEW BOSTON, Ohio (WSAZ) -- For some, a hot meal and a warm bed are the biggest blessings they could hope for on Thanksgiving or any night.

That's why a group of veterans -- who've already given so much -- are willing to brave the cold to help others stay warm and fed.

While sleeping outside on the ground at the end of November might seem meaningless to most of us, Mike Bell considers it his duty. Bell is one of many veterans trying to raise awareness for homeless veterans and anyone else without a home.

“When you go to do something as huge as what we're doing, you want to experience it the closest that you can,” Bell said. “And going homeless and getting the experience of what homeless people are going through just makes it even more deeper."

The group is collecting canned foods and donations for the Salvation Army and veterans pantry in Portsmouth -- a gesture group members say they hope will make a difference.

"Just to see somebody pull up and even drop off one can, I mean, that means the world,” fellow organizer Brian Lodwick said. “You think about what you're doing and what the meaning of what you're doing is, and it's helping these guys out."

Donor John Ingles said, “I hope it helps somebody, I really do.”

The group of vets will be camping out until 6 p.m. Sunday. They’re at the corner of Vine Street and Rhodes Avenue in New Boston. So, if you want to make a donation, you still have time.