Volunteers give time, toys for Bragg Families

Photo By Jacob McDonald | Brian Wise, executive director, Families United for Our Troops, presents a toy to Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, commander, Fort Bragg and XVIII Airborne Corps, Dec. 6 in Fayetteville, N.C. The 227 toys were selected by community children and donated to 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Fires Brigade (Airborne), through Toys for Tots.  

FAYETEVILLE, UNITED STATES

12.06.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Jacob McDonald 

18th Field Artillery Brigade

FAYETEVILLE, N.C. - More than 200 military children joined Families United for Our Troops and Toys for Tots in Fayetteville, N.C., Dec. 6, to pick out gifts for the children of deployed Soldiers.

This special event invited children throughout the community to experience the joy of giving by allowing them to select a gift to be given to a military child in need through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. In return, the participating children received a fun-filled goody bag and a morning of holiday fun.

"Families United is honored to sponsor this one of a kind shopping spree for military children," said Brian Wise, executive director for Families United. "At Families United we are all too familiar with the absence of a loved one, but we also recognize that military service is a family affair. This event allows the children of those who bravely serve this country to continue that service in their own community."

Toys for Tots donated 227 toys collected during the event to children of Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Fires Brigade (Airborne), who are currently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The gifts were accepted by Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, commander, Fort Bragg and XVIII Airborne Corps, and Lt. Col. Robert Agans, commander, 3rd Bn., 27th FA.

Volunteers from the battalion, the semi-pro football team the Carolina Cougars and other volunteer organizations were on hand to help with registration, provide a fun atmosphere and help the children with selecting toys.

"I am out here volunteering for the Fort Bragg kids. I would do anything for the kids," said Pfc. Sidney Parker, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Bn., 27th FA.

The event organizers were grateful for the help and said they were happy they could give back to the military community.

"Today's event would not have been possible without the great work of our military and the kind donations of Toys R Us, Dunkin' Donuts and the Carolina Cougars," Wise said. "We also thank the hundreds of military children who helped make this holiday season special for those who need it most."

Toys for Tots organizers were also impressed by the turnout and the support.

"Toys for Tots would like to thank Families United for their generosity and relentless commitment to serving our military and their families. Without the donations from organizations like Families United, Toys for Tots would not be capable of reaching millions of children every year. Toys for Tots looks forward to working with the Families United team for many years to come," said Christine Gregory, Toys for Tots coordinator for Cumberland and Harnett County, N.C.

Families United for Our Troops is the largest military family organization in the nation. According to Wise, a part of their mission is organizing events like the toy giveaway to help the military families, especially the families of deployed Soldiers.

• Date Taken: 12.06.2009
• Date Posted: 12.09.2009 15:02
• Story ID: 42507
• Location: FAYETEVILLE, US