For Operation Homefront Washington's president John McDonagh, the question of what they're doing for military families over the upcoming holidays has a quick answer.

"For starters, we have our annual toy drive going on nationwide with the Dollar Tree stores," said McDonagh.

The drive, which collects toys, baby items and toiletries, is expected to yield about 300,000 toys by the first week in December. The donations, collected at 83 Dollar Trees in Washington, will then be distributed to military families statewide.

For those wanting to do even more than buy a stuffed animal at the register, Operation Homefront's adopt a family program can be the next step.

The basic commitment is an agreement to purchase or provide two new toys for each child, $30 to $50 in total value, or a gift card equivalent, and a food gift certificate of $50 to $100 from either a major chain or the commissary. Buying gifts for the parents is not required.

"For me, this is my reward for all of the other work I do all year," said Diana Morrison, Director of Operations for Operation Homefront Washington. "I volunteer close to 40 hours a week, but this one is just my favorite and I urge others to see for themselves."

Unlike some other holiday programs, it is up to the sponsor whether or not they want to have personal contact with the recipient family. In fact, they can even ask for a wish list and deliver the gifts directly if they so choose.

If a sponsor does wish to remain anonymous, Morrison can provide a wish list and then requests that they have the gifts into her by Dec. 10. Otherwise, it is up to the two families to coordinate the drop-off/pick-up.

"We have a long list of families waiting already and just 20 or so sponsors signed up so far," she said. 96 families were sponsored through last year's adopt a family program and the goal is to surpass that number for 2011. 

This year all of the recipient families are first-time applicants with the greatest needs; in order to be eligible they provided both a copy of their most recent LES and proof that they are on active duty, regardless of branch. Typically, the Servicemembers are E-2s through E-4s and have two or three children per family.

"Even if you aren't in a position to adopt an entire family, you can also donate gift cards for the families that don't get adopted," explained Morrison. "We {Operation Homefront} still provide for them and any help and donations are appreciated."

The program also handles overflow from Joint Base Lewis-McChord's own Santa's Castle and tax receipts are available for all donations. To sponsor a family or donate, contact Morrison at Diana.Morrison@OperationHomefront.net.