With Santa hats secured and Christmas lights strapped around ruck sacks stuffed with toys, it was clear that morning PT on Dec. 2 for the 555th Engineer Brigade was going to be no ordinary road march.

Shortly after assembling in formation on Able Field behind its headquarters on Joint Base Lewis-McChord North, the more than 1000 Triple Nickel Soldiers headed out for the unit's 2nd Annual Santa's Castle Ruck March.  

The nearly 3-mile road march finished at the American Lake Community Center, where Soldiers dropped off their gifts and enjoyed a hot breakfast. Though not obligated to bring a gift, about 1,500 new toys - enough to fill two trucks' worth - were donated nonetheless.

Later that morning, the toys were taken to Santa's Castle, a non-profit organization on JBLM that provides presents for children of military families in financial need (E-4 and below from all branches) during the holiday season. "It will make a huge impact," said Janna Haycock, Santa's Castle volunteer coordinator, noting that about 1,200 families are signed up so far this year. "The community has been very generous, and we look forward to the Triple Nickel event to kick off the holiday season."

The event provided an opportunity to build unit esprit de corps and bring families (including spouses, children and lots of dogs) together to march for a good cause, said 555th EN BDE Commander Col. Nick Katers. Moreover, "it was the only opportunity to guarantee everyone was together," he said, adding that "Santa's Castle is designed to help Soldiers, so we're kind of helping ourselves."

The march was "great for morale and to bring everyone together," said Sgt. Daisy Glass of the 585th Engineer Company. "Plus to be able to give back to the community is awesome."

Santa's Castle, located on JBLM Main, is always accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys. For more information, call (253) 964-0635 or email ft.lewissantascastle@yahoo.com.