By Heather Jensen Weekend Anchor/Reporter
News 3 On Your Side
At Santa’s Castle, the bright lights of Christmas are already up and the toys are already on the shelves.News 3 On Your Side
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Stumble It!“Our goal is to provide toys for Fort Benning soldiers who for some financial reason would not be otherwise able to purchase toys for their children for Christmas,” says Janene LeMay, a coordinator with Santa’s Castle.
LeMay is a volunteer with the non-profit Fort Benning organization. Since 1986, toys have filled the store to make Christmas a little merrier for soldiers' families.
But Santa’s Castle relies on donations to stuff the shelves; and this year, things are running low.
“We are run solely by donations. So if we don't have the money, we cannot purchase the toys,” says LeMay.
From bikes to games, they call on the public to help. And every dime or donation goes directly to the store, then to the troops.
“All of our activities are overseen by the activities here on post,” LeMay says.
But not all charities are under the same watchful eye. This time of year, countless organizations extend their hands asking you to help the troops. If you haven't found the right one, help is at your fingertips.
America Supports You is a Department of Defense program, linking you to hundreds of organizations that support soldiers and their families. You can check out organizations by state (Georgia or Alabama) or in general. And every group is non-profit, non-political, and must pass the DoD's application process.
When the season of giving tugs at your purse-strings, knowing where the money goes will tug at your heart-strings.
“We actually had soldiers kind of leave here with tears in their eyes because it is very special to them,” LeMay says.
If you’re interested in helping Santa's Castle, the program is in need of monetary donations and new toys, especially bikes of all sizes.
Volunteers will be collecting donations in the "Hug of Heroes" tent at the God Bless Fort Benning event Saturday, November 17, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. Or call Santa’s Castle at (706) 685-4422 or email at fortbenningsantascastle@gmail.com.
Thinking of giving to another charitable organization?
News 3 is On Your Side with tips for giving to other charities at the holidays or year-round.
Leonard Crain with the Better Business Bureau says donors should do a background check before donating to a charity.
He’s says that's the best way to find out where the money goes.
This is especially important when dealing with charities over the telephone, because you can't see what they're offering.
You can check on many national charities through the BBB's website (click link above).
