FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (WTVF) — Military families were able to get free presents through the United Service Organizations' Great Gift Giveaway event at Fort Campbell
"But really what it comes down to is they get a little more jolly in their holiday," said Kari Moore, the executive director of the USO in Fort Campbell and Nashville.
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Chambers, his wife Tami, and their 4-year-old son Noah picked out their favorite presents.
"It helps with making sure that kids have stuff under the tree," Tami Chambers said.
The family said it's refreshing to have a bit of normality too.
"It’s really good for him to see how the military is, and how we get together," said Aaron Chambers.
Senior mechanic Justin Smith came to pick out presents for his two kids as well. He looks forward to surprising them Christmas morning.
"We’re able to still do stuff like this, so it means a lot," Smith said.
Moore said donations were slow coming in during the pandemic and she's relieved they have enough for everyone.
"It’s been incredibly humbling in a year with so much trial, and so much challenge, that people have really wanted to give back to those in their own community," Moore said.
Normally, it’s a 3 or 4-hour event, but because of COVID-19, they made it 10 hours so that enrolled families could space out.
"The last thing we would want would be to put somebody at risk," Moore said.
They were able to serve around 200 families at the event.
