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Operation Santa: Helping families during Christmas

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bekah Phy
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  He's making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty or nice... Santa Claus is coming to town. 

Before Santa heads to town though, Vince Bowker and his Operation Santa team are helping him spread Christmas cheer. His team is currently gathering new and used toys, which they refurbish, for local families in need during the holidays. 

"The program is set up for E-4s and below who need help during Christmas," said Mr. Bowker, Operation Santa president. "First sergeants can issue referrals to servicemembers who then set up an appointment to pick up toys. 

"The program not only helps servicemembers during the holidays, but also those returning at anytime from overseas deployments - they can come by and pick out toys to bring home to their loved ones," Mr. Bowker said. "Operation Santa can also benefit those families left behind when a loved one is deployed." 

Operation Santa Claus was founded in 1958 by Staff Sgt. Samuel Divita of the 5th Training Brigade, Fort Dix, N.J. Sergeant Divita started the non-profit organization by purchasing toys at his own expense to give to needy children of Soldiers in his unit. As the operation grew larger and he started to receive donations, Sergeant Divita set up a workshop to restore broken toys. 

Today, Operation Santa continues as a non-profit organization that assists military and civilian families stationed here or living in the local area. Exceptions are made for certain families on a case-by-case basis. 

Toys are accepted year-round for Operation Santa; however, toys will only be collected (at Operation Santa Bldg. 5343, Fort Dix, and the BX) until Dec. 23 for this Christmas. 

Toys are needed for infants up until 16 years of age for boys and girls. Toy donations can include stocking stuffers, games, puzzles, children's outfits, scarves, hats and gloves, crafts, perfume and cologne, DVDs, video games, watches, and cameras. Older children's toys (ages 14-16) such as cameras, radios and movies are harder to come by, Mr. Bowker said. 

Each eligible family is authorized (per child) three stocking stuffers, two new toys, an unlimited number of books and stuffed animals, three used toys, and one bicycle. 

"...When you have children and you get to see their faces on Christmas morning, there's nothing like it," said Donnamarie Brannon, Operation Santa secretary treasurer. "When you're older and you have rough times, the memories that get you through are mainly from Christmas. Operation Santa is all about helping your children have those happy memories." 

Mr. Bowker encourages families who are struggling or who need some extra help during the holidays to contact their first sergeant to participate in Operation Santa. 

For more information, call Operation Santa at (609) 562-3825. Toy donations will be accepted at the BX until Dec. 23. A drop box is located at Fort Dix Bldg. 5343, Airfield and Delaware Avenues, for year-round donations.