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How do you say “thank you” to the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces?
With the help of Operation Santa Claus, The Salvation Army’s Camp Kuratli said thank you to our veterans by reserving a week of camp for the children of deployed or recently deployed service men and women.
“I love camp!” said one of the boys as he jumped off the bus. “I think it’s so cool that we get to be here for the week. I can’t wait to go swimming…” and then he ran off to be with his friends.
Operation Santa Claus was born when KPAM Radio and The Salvation Army joined forces in December 2004. The objective was to raise awareness and holiday support for the families of veterans. The morning voice of KPAM, Bob Miller, led a two-week radio campaign raising more than $164,000–– far surpassing the target of $40,000.
“The people of the Pacific Northwest opened their hearts to America’s veterans, and enabled the Army to support our veterans in ways we never imagined,” says Major Kenneth G. Hodder, Cascade divisional commander. “Designating a week of summer camp for the children of our veterans is the least we can do.
