Maj. Gen. Mark T. Simerly, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general; Alexis Bowles-Fryar, outreach representative, Office of U.S. Senator Mark Warner; and Command Sgt. Maj. Tamisha Love, garrison CSM, chuckle with delight as children from the Battle Drive Child Development Center sing holiday carols.

Cpl. Amy Maulo, 544th Military Police Detachment, shops with the assistance of Cindy Simerly, wife of Maj. Gen. Mark T. Simerly, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general, during the Holiday Helper Association Open House held Dec. 9 at the organization’s toy store. Roughly 20 Soldiers -- with the assistance of Fort Lee command teams -- were provided the opportunity to shop at HHA's toy store during the event. HHA supports the families of more than 400 military active duty members and wounded warriors during the holiday season and beyond. (photo by T. Anthony Bell)

Military and community members attending the annual Holiday Helper open house listen as Maj. Gen. Mark T. Simerly, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general, provides opening remarks. Holiday Helpers supports the holiday needs of more than 400 families of active military members and wounded warriors.

Nohea Williams, Battle Drive Child Development Center, sings holiday carols along with classmates during the Holiday Helper Association open house Dec. 9.

Lyric Rivera, Battle Drive Child Development Center, awaits instructions before a singing performance

Marceline Moulder, Battle Drive Child Development Center, sings a holiday tune.

Judy Jones, Battle Drive Child Development Center childcare provider, is all smiles in her holiday-themed eyewear.

Carmelita Torres, wife of CASCOM CSM Marco Torres, helps Spc. Brandon Corprew wrap gifts.

FORT LEE, Va. -- For the 21st year, a Fort Lee-based organization is supporting disadvantaged wounded warriors and active military members during the holiday season. The Holiday Helper Association hosted its annual open house Friday morning, providing roughly 25 nominated military members opportunities to shop for toys and gifts at its toy store.

Present for the event were Maj. Gen. Mark T. Simerly, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general; Command Sgt. Maj. Marco A. Torres, CASCOM CSM; Alexis Bowles-Fryar, outreach representative, office of U.S. Senator Mark Warner; and a long list of military and civilian dignitaries. Holiday Helper provides upward of 400 families with food vouchers, stocking stuffers, clothing and gifts as well as toys free of charge during the holiday season and beyond.

Simerly, attending his second such event, said Holiday Helper is more than a holiday season effort but “a 12-month labor of love that involves the entire community.” For more information about Holiday Helper, visit www.holidayhelperassociation.com.