Bringing Holiday Joy to Military Families
The Armed Services YMCA was thrilled to make the holiday season brighter last year for military families throughout the country. Starting in November Armed Services YMCA locations provided holiday meals, holiday travel assistance, toy and gift support, and so much more!
Through our partnership with Jack Daniels for Operation Ride Home, over 777 military families (representing 1,280 service members, spouses and children) received financial assistance to travel home for the holidays, some for the first time in years. Additionally, we provided holiday support through meals, gifts, and more to 3,640 service members through Operation Holiday Joy. We were also honored to again partner with The Boot Campaign to provide personalized holiday gifts to 40 E-5 and below families who sacrifice each and every day for our country.
“Thank you for giving me a chance to go home and see my family that I haven’t seen since I came back from overseas. I couldn’t afford a ticket home for the holidays but now I will have a chance to make it home to see my family. Sincerely, Thank you.” —J. Hawk; E-4 Navy
Your generosity and dedication to support military families is unparalleled. Thank you for making the holiday season even more special this past year.
Photo left (top on mobile): Santa’s Workshop at Camp Pendleton allows military families in need of extra support to select gifts for their children, ensuring no military child is left out of the joy of the holidays. Connect with Camp Pendleton Branch
Photo center: At Fort Bragg, the 3-27th FAR HIMARS participate in a Toy Ruck to collect toys for military children for their Holiday Hooah program. Holiday Hooah offers gift support to military families. Connect with Fort Bragg Branch
Photo right (bottom on mobile): At Fort Leonard Wood, and in military installations across the country, Santa Boots delivers hope and a joyful holiday to military families experiencing hardship. Connect with Fort Leonard Wood Branch
