Before sunrise, more than 50 soldiers put on their rucksacks filled with donated unwrapped toys, games, and non-perishable foods.
As the soldiers marched, they showed commitment to serving their country, and their local community.
"Here at the Armed Services YMCA, serving military families is an honor," said Katrina Somers, Family Services Director at the ASYMCA - Fort Bragg.
"Every day, our goal is to create consistency, comfort, and connection for families who sacrifice so much," Somers said. "Every day, our goal is to create consistency, comfort and connection for families who sacrifice so much."
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Before the soldiers marched on the 5-mile trek, Command Sgt. Maj. Lionel Strong reflected on the personal impact the Army had on his life during the Christmas season.
"I grew up around Picatinny Arsenal with a single mom and the youngest of four kids, where she worked two and sometimes three jobs to make ends meet, so a lot of years, most or all of our Christmas presents came from the Angel tree from soldiers," said Strong. "I look back now, and I think part of the reason I'm here in the army is because of the impact of the generosity of those soldiers, and now we get to pass that on to even more kids today."
The toys and food will be available at the YMCA Thrift Center to military families in need, making sure that no one is left out of a festive and memorable holiday season.
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