2014 Fort Hood Santa's Workshop is officially open

Photo By 1st Lt. Barry Stevenson | A local Boy Scout poses for a photo with Santa Claus at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the 2014 Fort Hood Santa's Workshop.  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

11.20.2014

Story by 1st Lt. Barry Stevenson 

310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

FORT HOOD, Texas – Santa’s workshop Fort Hood officially opened for the Christmas Season Thursday night.

The night began with a meet greet as members of the 1st Cavalry Division band played holiday classics. After the ceremonial ribbon cutting by the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) commander Brig. Gen. Rodney Fogg, Samara Elledge, president of Santa's Workshop and Santa Claus himself, guests toured the toy filled workshop and enjoyed refreshments.

For almost 20 years the 13th SC(E) has sponsored this program here at Fort Hood to help military families who find themselves in need during the holidays. The board consists of about 25 spouses who volunteer their time and work year round to coordinate toy drives, buy toys, advertise and help facilitate the application process.

Soldiers apply through their unit and are given appointments from Dec. 1–12. Rather than prearranged gifts, the parents are allowed to shop and are assisted by a volunteer “elf” to guide them through the process and make sure they get everything they need.

Thanks to the donations and volunteers each child supported can receive somewhere between $50 upward to $200 worth of presents.

“This evening is just a small token of appreciation to our donors and leaders.” Elledge said. “We hold many fundraisers throughout the year and generous donors have been extremely generous in every facet.”

• Date Taken: 11.20.2014
• Date Posted: 12.05.2014 14:27
• Story ID: 149532
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US