USO Central Florida Grants Wishes for Military Children

The holiday season can be financially stressful, but when you add in the transient nature of military life and multiple deployments, many younger military families find themselves barely able to keep afloat. USO Central Florida’s Operation Stuff a Stocking helps address these stressors for military families during the holiday season.

Junior Enlisted Service Members and Non-Commissioned Officers were invited to complete holiday wish lists for their children. Individual and corporate partners then purchased items from the wish lists to provide a unique, personalized holiday for 379 little military heroes throughout the Tampa Bay area. NOS Energy Drink, Walmart and Coca-Cola joined forces to donate $10,000 to USO Central Florida for bringing this holiday cheer to military families. “It adds a special touch to the holidays for our military families,” says Amy Phillips, USO Central Florida Programs Director. “It boosts their morale - strengthening their family relationship and resiliency.”

As an additional surprise, troops traveling home for the holidays received a heartwarming and festive welcome from Santa and his elves at the USO at Tampa International Airport courtesy of the NOS Energy Drink, Walmart and Coca-Cola team.