While all of southeast Wisconsin was wrapped up in the first major snowstorm of the season, more than 350 military families – undeterred by the wintry weather – gathered at the War Memorial in downtown Milwaukee on Saturday, December 10th for USO Wisconsin’s Annual “Operation Christmas” celebration.
Many made the trip on a cold, blustery evening because without this event, there would be no presents to put under the tree.
Once a year, third floor Memorial Hall becomes a magical place for boys and girls, where the focus is on writing and sending letters to Santa, sitting on the big guy’s lap for a present consultation and photo, exercising precise skill at winter-themed tabletop games and paying a visit to a special room to choose gifts for mom and dad.
A short elevator ride up to the fourth floor, there’s a much quieter spot, where only moms and dads are allowed to “shop” for their children. There are toys, books, clothing – gifts all donated for this event. Listen carefully and the chatter you hear is from some of the “elves” next door. Dozens of volunteers from numerous local businesses are here, busily wrapping packages to be transported home – safely hidden from the youngsters’ view until Christmas morning.
All year long The Ritterbusch Group was pleased to promote the good work of a non-profit like USO Wisconsin and its mission to support servicemen and women when they are away from home and when reunited with their families. It takes a tremendous amount of dedicated, good-hearted people for Operation Christmas to be a success, something our employees take pride in, especially this time of year.
Thinking about giving back? Consider sharing your time with USO Wisconsin. For more, visit www.usowisconsin.org/volunteer
