The real meaning of the holidays we are having now was brought hometo us on December 9th, when the Coats for Kids Foundation partnered with  Operation Homefront to help make this Christmas season one of hope and joy for kids who have little of either.  The event was a Christmas party for the children of wounded soliders at Walter Reed Army Hospital.  These soldiiers--men and women--returned from Iraq and Afghanistan with serious injuries and are undergoing rehab at Walter Reed.  Sixty-five kids were there with their parents, and Coats for Kids provided new hats, gloves, and new winter coats for every child.  We also provided 65 giant Snoopys that had been given to us by Macy's at Landmark, Alexandria, VA. 

It was a moving and emotional day for all, because no one attending the event expected to receive a new coat.  There were tears, hugs, and lots of smiles. 

Santa and Mrs. Claus made a surprise appearance and gave all of the kids gift bags.  Parents were given gift cards to area shopping centers.

 A word about Operation Homefront.  It provides an unbelievable number of services to the spouse of wounded and deceased soliders.  Everything from fixing a stove to paying for home heating oil, to loaning them a car when they are staying at Walter Reed.  Take a moment to be thankful and visit . http://www.operationhomefront.net/dcmetro.  They are doing phenomenal work with very little resources.