Fundraiser kicks off 2014 Santa’s Workshop season

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Lance Pounds | Santa Claus talks with the family of Fort Hood Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas Gault during the 16th Annual Christmas in July fundraiser, hosted by Santa’s Workshop July 16 at Texas Roadhouse in Killeen. Santa visited each table to talk to guests about the fundraiser and the mission of Santa’s Workshop. (Photo by Sgt. Lance Pounds, 13th Public Affairs Detachment)  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

07.17.2014

Story by Sgt. Lance Pounds 

13th Public Affairs Detachment

FORT HOOD, Texas - Santa’s Workshop hosted its 16th Annual Christmas in July fundraiser July 16 at Texas Roadhouse in Killeen.

“We are all very excited,” said Samara Elledge, the board president of Santa’s Workshop. “It is a great way to start off our season and getting the word out about what we do.”
Elledge, formerly the board vice president, said she stepped up this year because of a desire to give back to the military community.

“New this year, we offered people the option to sponsor a Soldier,” said Elledge. She said this allowed individuals, organizations, or business to donate via tickets that would be disseminated among Soldiers throughout Fort Hood.

“It’s a win, win!” said Spc. Rodney Ucles, a native of Los Angeles assigned to 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Ucles, a recipient of a donated ticket, said even though he did not play a big role he felt good knowing that a family would be helped.

All proceeds from the lunch help Santa’s Workshop purchase new toys, books, and games for Fort Hood families in need regardless of their income level.

The Fort Hood Santa’s Workshop, a 501-C3 non-profit organization, was conceived by the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), as a unit-level charitable initiative.

In 1998, the organization grew into the installation-level project it is today. Their mission, as it was from the beginning, is to provide toys to needy children of the Fort Hood military community during the holiday season.

At Santa’s Workshop, Fort Hood, parents can browse well-stocked shelves of brand new toys, books, and games to make that perfect choice gift for their child.

Each eligible family may select two toys and one book per child. In addition, each family may select one game to promote the importance of family time.

Last year, Santa’s Workshop helped more than 1900 families and 4,100 children have a happy holiday. A task met by the organization through direct support from the military community, individuals, private organizations, and businesses in and around Central Texas.

For more information about donation, sponsorship, or applying for Santa’s Workshop, call Elledge at 254-630-9280 or email [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 07.17.2014
• Date Posted: 07.17.2014 11:27
• Story ID: 136379
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US