The boxes for Toys for Tots are out. The Salvation Army's Angel Tags are being handed out. That means the volunteers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Santa's Castle are hard at work, preparing to make the holidays a little better for a large contingent of local military children dreaming of the North Pole.

"The need this year has definitely increased," said Lauren Halligan, Santa's Castle secretary. "We have 2600 kids - up from 2100 last year - plus a wait list. We even added another day of distribution to accommodate everyone."

Servicemembers (E-5 and below) who have financial hardships and have been referred through their chain of command are eligible to utilize Santa's Castle, regardless of branch. The parents, sans the kids of course, are invited in to ‘shop' during a ten-day period and are assisted by a volunteer elf to help them navigate the stock. E

From 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., starting on Dec. 1, families will start visiting Santa's Castle and selecting from the overflowing shelves. The elves will close up shop over the weekend, mainly so they can prepare for the coming days by restocking and straightening.

Each child, ranging in age from newborns to 18 years old, receives two books, one game for the family, three additional toys of varying value and stocking stuffers; on average the net worth of gifts per child is close to $75. 

"No matter what day you come or what time of day, we promise the selection is the same quality," explained Linda Evans, Santa's Castle president. "We rotate stock every single day to ensure its fair."

This year the official Santa's Castle sponsor is the 191^st Infantry Brigade, yet other units, like I Corps and the 593^rd Sustainment Brigade have also collected toys and raised money. Plus, local groups, not even related to JBLM, often hear about Santa's Castle and reach out. Recently, the Pierce County Mustang Club presented Evans with a check and trunks full of toys they collected.

Almost as important as the toys, however, are the elves. Santa's Castle is a strictly volunteer-run organization, but with four families visiting every 15 minutes, more elves are needed. Volunteers need to be at least 16 years of age and able to come during the day to help families ‘shop'. Donations of food for the working volunteers are also welcomed.

"I want to say thank you to all that have donated and made this possible for us another year," Evans said. "If they didn't give, we wouldn't be here and the Soldiers' families would not benefit."

Santa's Castle is located on JBLM Main, at the corner of Pierce Avenue and N. 21^st Street. Donations can be dropped coordinated ahead of time by calling Evans (her direct number is listed on the front door) or during regular open hours.

To volunteer, call (253) 964-0635

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