We also had food provided by the base security forces personnel. We had a gift wrap station so the families didn't have to worry about wrapping their gifts at home. Santa was there, and the children were definitely excited.

'We also had Hank the Moose available for the families to get their pictures taken. 'Home Depot brought a kids clinic to set up for the children to make a project to take home with them,' Collee said. 'The families registered for the event to ensure we had an appropriate count for all ages and genders to receive a toy.'Toys weren't the only things bringing wide-eyed smiles to the faces of JBER's children. 'We worked with several community partners to bring the community together and make this event a success,' said Janice Collee, Operation Homefront Pacific Northwest director of programs. More than 400 people were on hand at the event which saw hundreds of brand new toys given out to the children of military families who signed up weeks in advance. The Service Member and Family Assistance Center hosted the third annual Operation Homefront holiday toy distribution event at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Dec. Looking for new holiday traditions? Check out our Winter Holidays Around the World unit study! Get it on Amazon or download it today.JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska –

To give back to military families, consider donating to: Or contact your local chapter of the USO or Operation Homefront. You can use this simple freebie to get you started – this printable pack has four different letter writing pages for your children to write a small note to the troops serving overseas this Christmas. Never underestimate the value of a thoughtful letter during the holidays when homesickness tends to be at its worst!

As a military family, we have appreciated every letter that was sent, either to my husband while he was deployed, or the coupons and care packages we were sent while living overseas.

Download operation homefront christmas