by Heather Graf
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky - Dozens of Fort Campbell families are getting a helping hand this Christmas, as the Armed Services YMCA plays santa for our soldiers.
Operation Holiday Joy started about five years ago. It's a special toy store that gives military moms and dads a chance to fill their child's wish list, without breaking the bank.
"They get a book for each child, they get a DVD or video for each child, they get a family for the family, and they also get a puzzle for each child," said organizer Shirley West. "We get all types of gifts donated to us."
Soldiers and their spouses are then given the chance to shop through the store, and the toys they select are provided free of charge.
"You want to get your children so much, but with finances being tight you can't do it all the time, and by the YMCA calling and offering this, it just means so much to me that I can have more toys for her under the tree," said Specialist Gibrain McElroy.
He visited the toy store just days after a fire damaged his home, but after just a few minutes shopping for his three-year-old daughter, McElroy was once again smiling.
"She's going to be so happy and excited, I can't wait to see her face when she opens her presents," he said.
West says donations to their toy store have actually gone up this year. She believes it's because people always find a way to give to the military, even during tough economic times.
"For some reason, people are still generous enough to be able to take care of the soldiers," she said. "I just think it's awesome."
Last year, Operation Holiday Joy helped exactly 101 families. West says the number was just a coincidence, but fitting, since they serve the members of the 101st Airborne Division.
So far this holiday season, they've provided gifts to 63 Fort Campbell families, and more than 100 children, and there's two days of shopping still to go.
email: hgraf@newschannel5.com
