A Sweet Visit from St Nick
On Saturday December 14th, Operation Veteran and Caregiver Support hosted their annual Santa’s Sweet Shop event at the Tipp Center. Thanks to the generous support of several local bakers, we had tables loaded with cookies, pies, candy, and treats. The party began at 2:00, but our volunteers were having fun way before that!
After the tables were set, every cookie lovingly laid out, the toys mounded, and the crafts prepared, we welcomed in a record number of veteran and active duty families. Every child made a beeline for Santa, who patiently listened to every request and story. He made sure they all got their goodie bag, because in a historic moment, every child who attended made the nice list!
After seeing Santa, they made their way to the tables of toys. Thanks to a partnership with Operation Homefront and the generosity of Dollar Tree shoppers this holiday season, we were able to fill over a dozen tables with toys, craft kits, and personal care items for children aged infant to 18. There truly was something for everyone.
After Santa was visited and toys were selected, it was time for cookies! The tables were loaded down, with all types of goodies. Everyone was encouraged to fill their plates and even take some home to share with others.
This year’s event was our best yet, with over 100 veterans and their families in attendance. We truly felt the support of the community and created an environment full of joy and laughter for the veterans who gathered with us. We loved seeing the generations gathered around the tables, parents, grandparents, even great-grandparents! Kids roamed around, creating crafts and making new friends. One veteran told us that it felt like the FRG events they attended while they were on active duty, just a room full of service members having fun with their families.
Events like this are not possible without the support and generosity of the community, especially our partners at the TippCenter. Every year they donate the space and decorate it beautifully. They do everything they can to make this event a success, wanting to tangibly give back to the veterans in the community.
We host 4 family events a year, always at no cost to veterans and their families. On April 5th, we will be at VFW Post 4874 in Piqua for our Annual Egg Hunt and Bunny Breakfast. June 7th is our Kids Fishing Derby, August 16th is our School Supply Giveaway, and December 13th is next year’s Santa Sweet Shop. For more information on our Upcoming Events, visit us here!!