FORT CARSON, COLO. -- Christmas came a little early for families at Fort Carson, who were treated to special holiday event Tuesday afternoon on the Mountain Post.
Hosted by Operation Homefront and Balfour Beatty Communities, the 'Holly Jolly Hero Jamboree' played host to hundreds of military children.
"They get two bags that they get to fill full of toys from a boy section, a girl section and a stuffed animals section," Carolann Mountjoy with Operation Homefront said.
All of the toys
were donated by the Dollar Tree, along with several other companies.
The kids also got to sit on Santa's lap and walk through the holiday village.
Mountjoy said the local community was extremely generous.
"Our chapter has only been in existence as a volunteer chapter for a year, and incorporated as an official chapter since May," Mountjoy said. "Since then the community has just poured themselves onto our chapter to assist with every event we have."
Mountjoy said the event serves two purposes.
It helps military families who are struggling financially provide a Christmas for their kids, and it gives them a support system.
"A lot of them are separated right now from their loved ones, so anything we can do to make it a more cheerful time for them, then that is what we are here for," Mountjoy said.
Families appreciate the thought.
"It helps to have people that know what is going on, know how you feel and where you are," Miranda Fairman said.
Fairman's husband, Spc. Edward Fairman, has been deployed once and is leaving again in March.
He said it is nice to know someone is looking out for his family when he is away.
"Knowing that something is here for her to cling to, and that there is a community around that is supportive is always good," Spc. Fairman said.
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