The San Diego Armed Services YMCA will host its 28th annual Operation Holiday Joy event Wednesday, allowing military families to do their holiday shopping for free.
Parents from 1,000 military families will choose two toys or a bike for each of their children in the ASYMCA toy store during the event. The ASYMCA received support from Wells Fargo, USAA, Navy League San Diego, the San Diego Padres and others to for the holiday toy program. The ASYMCA also received donations of 700 turkeys and 500 mini Christmas trees for the participating military families.
“Our military families sacrifice so much,” said ASYMCA Executive Director Tim Ney. “The Military Family Holiday Toy Program provides another opportunity to thank military members and ensure their families have a very Merry Christmas this holiday season.”
While parents shop for their children’s Christmas gifts, San Diego Padres outfielder Hunter Renfroe, Padres pitchers Robbie Erlin, Matt Strahm, Trey Wingenter and Robert Stock and Padres catching prospect Austin Allen will give out baseball gloves and help families pick out gifts. The Padres mascot, the Swinging Friar, is also expected to make an appearance at the event.
Operation Holiday Joy begins at 8 a.m. and will run through most of the day into the early evening. Residents can visit asymca.org/san-diego-home for more information about the Armed Services YMCA and its holiday toy program.
–City News Service
