COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- What was supposed to be a handful of soldiers giving clothes to the homeless morphed into an operation of 300 Fort Carson soldiers.

There are an estimated 350 chronic homeless living in Colorado Springs. About 750 more are considered crisis homeless -- people thrown into homelessness by the economy.

Friday soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT) delivered goods to the homeless in what they call "Operation Happy Christmas."

In another country the sight of soldiers marching in formation through the middle of a city might make people nervous. But here it's a welcome sight as these men and women of the of the Raider Brigade of the 1st BCT bring relief to the homeless.

“Any time you get 300 soldiers from the division coming up the valley it's going to look impressive," said 1st Brigade Deputy Cmdr. and Lt. Col. Brandon Newton.

They marched up Fountain Creek from i-25 and Tejon to the Marian House, passing many of the homeless camps that have sprung up in the area.

Marian House is a program under the auspices of Catholic Charities of Colorado Springs. It is located at 14 W. Bijou St.

"We understand a little bit about privation, about being cold and being hungry," said Newton.

The Marian house was only expecting a couple of dozen soldiers. Instead they got a small invasion.

"They said, 'Sam. you need to come out and see this.' and I looked out and it was just waves and waves of people in uniform marching here," said Sam Edwards of Marian House.

The soldiers emptied their packs full of donations and homeless began sifting through the treasure.

"Some of these people had jobs just a few months ago, lost the job because of the economy and now here they are in harms way," said Edwards.

Richard Tennant is just one of the many people who will be a little warmer because of Operation Happy Christmas.

"I think it's a beautiful thing. I think it's great .I’m very proud of our military. I think what they are doing even here is great," said Tennant.

Officials tell FOX21 News there has been an overwhelming response from the community to help the homeless. They say the best way to donate is to give to the Marian House so they can make sure your donation can get to where it's most needed.