Operation Homefront aids military families this Thanksgiving

BLACK RIVER, N.Y. (WWTI) – Operation Homefront spread holiday cheer just in time for Thanksgiving to Fort Drum soldiers and their families.

The organization visited the Black River American Legion on Friday to distribute some seasonal joy as part of its annual Holiday Meals for Military program.

Operation Homefront handed out grocery gift cards to provide all the essentials for preparing a traditional holiday meal to 175 pre-registered military service members and their families.

“You can see what this means to them by the smiles on their faces,” Operation Homefront Program Manager Shirley Stanton said. “It (this event) helps them with any food insecurities that they may be having.”

The event also comes at an opportune time, as the government shutdown has caused paychecks for military members to be delayed. SNAP and WIC benefits were also affected due to the shutdown.

The organization emphasized that its Critical Financial Assistance program saw a 57 percent jump in food-related financial assistance requests this year, which was before the shutdown.

Santa Claus also showed up at the event and was available for pictures. However, it wasn’t just the children who took advantage of seeing Jolly Old St. Nick.

“They (the adults) may not sit on Santa’s lap, but they can always get a picture with him,” Stanton said.

Friday’s event wasn’t the only one that showed appreciation to military members and veterans. The Veterans Appreciation Club provided free Thanksgiving meals on Sunday.

For more information about Operation Homefront, visit their site at https://operationhomefront.org/

Powered by News Channel 9.