It’s the time of the year for Holiday cheer and gift giving – Fort Riley celebrated the season with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Operation Santa Claus.

Garrison Commander Colonel John D. Lawrence, made a few remarks during the ceremony.

“The Holidays can be a difficult time for military children, in particular with today’s environment and with so many units we have deployed on Fort Riley; additionally, the cost of living is seemingly always going up, some families may not have enough to provide the type of Christmas they want to provide for their children,” said Lawrence.

Lawrence said that last year, Operation Santa Claus helped over 1100 children, representing over 375 families.

Christine Benne, AUSA Secretary and Program Manager for Operation Santa Claus echoed similar sentiments.

“All of our soldiers all have financial situations like anybody else…and then they have the uniqueness of having to be on 24/7, being deployed and away from their families and sometimes that’s a hardship for the soldier’s families, so Operation Santa Claus is able to help them,” said Benne.

Operation Santa Claus is accepting gifts for ages birth to 18, and Benne said that many times the teenagers receive the fewest donations – gift cards work best for that age group.

Donations can be made for all age groups in the form of toys, gift cards, and cash; for more information on donating or volunteering call 239-6944/2771.

Santa’s Workshop, Operation Santa Claus Headquarters is located at Building #261 on Fort Riley.