Sometimes a family may have a death in the family where they need to travel home and cannot afford to do so, which causes additional expenses to cover in connection with the funeral.

Sometimes families have spouses, children or even servicemembers that may have special needs, such as educational or medical expenses, that can cause financial debts beyond the means of what their medical coverage covers.  

Sometimes a parent can be experiencing their first holiday season as a single parent, and not used to purchasing everything on one income during the holidays.

The holidays undoubtedly bring financial stress and sometimes burdens to try to make every year the "perfect year" for those that are close to one's heart.

That's when Santa's Castle on Joint Base Lewis-McChord comes in to save the "holi"-day.

Amy Luekenga has been an avid volunteer at various military installations throughout her husband's 23 years in the service.

Looking for a new organization to get involved with that would satisfy her desire for something with emotional meaning and substantial impact, Amy joined Santa's Castle as an elf.

After assisting military families to "shop" through the many toys and categories in the old Santa's Castle facility, Amy moved from the elf world onto the board position of scheduling coordinator for Santa's Castle.

"We learned the ropes and made lots of phone calls to make appointments for the servicemembers to come in and take advantage of the toys, games, books and stocking stuffers that would brighten their children's Christmas."

Amy's journey with Santa's Castle would continue to climb.

After the former Santa's Castle president, Lisa Bennett, found out that she would be PCS'ing (making a Permanent Change of Stations), Amy took a little time to ponder her decision with the organization.

"I eventually stepped up to be president this year," said Amy.  "I learn something new each day and just hope to keep making advancements for the next set of volunteers."

This is Amy's first year during the holiday season as president and things are plugging away quickly in their new facility.

"Santa's Castle could not be happier with the new building and thanks are constantly given to the generosity of the JBLM Commander," said Amy.  "We are fortunate to have a newer building with a lot more space and more user-friendly for all parties involved."  

The older building was once used as a World War II dining facility, so it's pretty easy to imagine the last facility being quite old.

"It was small, drafty and dark. The plumbing, at times, was questionable with no potable water to drink.  The building was heated by an oil furnace and would always run out of fuel in the middle of distribution.  Toys were stored in metal containers with not much room to function."

Doesn't sound like an environment for lots of holiday cheer, but any that are familiar with Santa's Castle knows that they didn't allow an old building to stop their mission.

"The jolly elves still managed to be cheerful and made everything work magically in that building for nineteen years."

The new facility couldn't have come any sooner, as business is busy as usual for Amy and the rest of the Santa's Castle volunteers.

"In usual Santa's Castle fashion, we are hopping!!" said Amy.  "We are always doing something."

This year's holiday gift-giving campaign for Santa's Castle is bigger and better than every other year, which has been typical for what truly is a full-time job for volunteers, but is even more prevalent with the new facility.

"Santa's Castle is a year-round operation and could truly be considered a full-time job," she said.  "We really start in about July or August to advertise & spread the word to the installation's leadership about our program and in October.  We ask and rely upon the leadership to turn in applications on families that they feel are in financial crisis."

Santa's Castle is about assisting the many stressors and burdens that holiday spending can bring.

"We are looking for families who are truly struggling to make ends meet," said Amy.  "In November, we approve the applications and have the soldiers make appointments so that they can come in and pick up the toys in the first two weeks of December."

Servicemembers are currently coming to pick up toys from all areas of the state.

"The phones are ringing off the hook as some are still making their appointments or changing appointments due to the ever changing needs of the military mission," said Amy.  "Some folks are National Guard and have a hard time getting here in the winter time, so this also becomes a challenge."

The entire staff of volunteers constantly work as one and are reliant on one-another to complete their mission of assisting as many military families during the holidays as possible.

The memories, not all the hard work, is what lasts the longest for the staff, and continue to inspire them to do more every year.

"Once you participate and meet these families, it is always the memories of serving them that becomes a permanent story in your heart and mind," added Amy.  "Most of us have had our hearts grow bigger and have a tear brought to our eyes by the reaction from our families.  It does my heart good to hear the volunteers laugh and interact with our families whether we are giving out toys or taking photos with Santa or thanking the units for doing a toy drive for us.  It is sincerity at its best!"

Santa's Castle accepts donations year-round and can sometimes have difficulty stocking enough books for all age groups. If interested in learning more about the program and/or donating items for military families, please visit their website, www.jblmsantascastle.org.