FORT SILL Okla_ The spirit of Christmas is most definitely alive on Fort Sill. "Toys for Kids" is now in its 5th year.
The program ensures that hundreds of soldiers and their families who might be strapped for cash are able to get Christmas presents for their children. Even better: these toys aren't hand-me-downs. They're brand new.
Dozens of Fort Sill soldiers and families gathered Monday to grab gifts from under the tree for their little ones this Christmas.
Specialist Scotty Scribner picked out a skateboard for one of his kids. He said he won't be able to be with them all this Christmas, so he wants to make sure they wake up knowing that dad is thinking of them.
"I've got five kids total," Scribner said. "I can't be with the other three, so this helps out being able to send it to them and stuff."
Private First Class Melenda Hill just gave birth to her daughter 3 months ago. She said money is tight this year, so Toys for Kids is perfect for her.
"It's a lot of variety," Hill said. "It's a lot of things that you can get for your kids. It helps out people who need help."
Director of Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation Brenda Spencer-Ragland said this project is all about sponsors and donors giving back to those families whose soldiers put their lives on the line.
"Soldiers and their families give so much back to us," Spencer-Ragland said. "We have soldiers coming into this instillation everyday. A new family, a new soldier arrives and with all moves there are additional stresses. So, in any way we can, we help our young families relieve some of that stress and just enjoy the true spirit of Christmas."
Spencer-Ragland said each soldier is allowed two toys per child. Last year, they provided toys for about 25-hundreds kids. This year, they hope to do the same.
Toys for Kids is for military families only. It runs Monday December 10th through Friday, December 21st. Its hours are Monday through Friday 9 AM to 6 PM.
For more information on how you can donate merchandise or money call 580 442 3001.
