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Christmas cheer arrives early on JBLM

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jacob Jimenez
  • Northwest Guardian
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  More than 50 service members, family members and local community partners brought joy to the Christmas season early this year at Joint Base Lewis-McChord by attending the Santa's Castle open house Sept. 17.

A nonprofit organization, Santa's Castle volunteers collect toys year round for military children in need.

"This kickoff helps us get mentally prepared for applications and donations," said Amy Luekenga, Santa's Castle president. "We want to make sure we are servicing the whole local military community, and that every branch is getting the word out."

The event was hosted to kick off Santa's Castle upcoming toy distribution starting at the end of November and to help the community learn more about the program and ways they can participate.

Families in need are signed up by leadership, senior enlisted and first sergeants. Once referred by leadership, service members can come with their families and pick the right toys for their children.

"Commanders and first sergeants make this happen; without them we couldn't do this," Luekenga said. "They know the morale and welfare of their service members better than anyone else."

The providing of toys to children of service members is possible because of the many generous donations made to Santa's Castle. The open house added to those donations with Santa's castle receiving additional toys and monetary donations from service members and community partners.

"This is going to lessen a burden on our Airmen and lighten their load during the holidays," said Master Sargent Matthew Shaver, 4th Airlift Squadron first sergeant. "This helps them know they are taken care of by their leadership and will eventually help lead others to take part in this organization."

In addition to being totally nonprofit, Santa's Castle is manned 100 percent by volunteers. Those who volunteer at Santa's Castle are referred to as "elves" and consist of volunteers from on and off JBLM.

"I love what Santa's Castle does for the community and service members," said Janine Hoskins, Santa's Castle inventory coordinator. "It's the joy and sense of helping someone that drives me to volunteer."

Getting ready for this Christmas season, Santa's Castle is going into its 21st year of giving since its origination in 1994.

A child is never left out of the Christmas season - Santa's Castle provides toys to children 1-17 years of age.

"Last year I had a Soldier and his family just overwhelmed by this place," Hoskins said. "Seeing their reaction and gratitude was the moment that I got hooked as a volunteer."

To find out more information about donating, volunteering or referring a family, visit www.jblmsantascastle.org.