FORT HOOD — Fort Hood's Santa's Workshop got some much-needed assistance after the building housing toys got water damage. Some of the toys Channel 6 collects in the Camo Santa drive were damaged as well.
Santa's Workshop volunteers along with soldiers from six units banded together to move 10,000 toys to a new location on Battalion Avenue, Building 42,004. Volunteers boxed the toys and loaded them onto large trucks to keep them safe from the water issues.
Damboise said at the Fort Hood Thrift Shop distribution Monday they are especially appreciative of the funds from Board President Theresa Johnson and her team after the recent situation.
The following units sent soldiers to assist in the mobilization effort: 13th ESC, 36th Engineer Brigade, 2-82 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Garrison Command HHBN and III Corps.
Damboise said they will be working in the new location until the summertime, but they hope to move back to the original location by the Christmas in July fundraising event. She said the elves are still busy operating to give as many children a Christmas morning in December.
Last year alone, the organization received more than 1,600 applications to help more than 3,000 military kids.
"We have a brand new board that is eager to get ready for this upcoming Holiday Season and still have a few positions available," Damboise said.
Fort Hood's Santa's Workshop holds five major fundraisers each year and collects toys from local toy drives and ruck marches.