FORT BENNING, Ga. — The spirit of the season took flight as the 1st Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment concluded its annual Operation Toy Drop, delivering more than 500 toys to Santa’s Castle on Dec. 18 to support military families in need.
While the paratroopers focused on the airborne operation, the mission on the ground was about ensuring no military child goes without a gift this holiday season.
"It’s really truly humbling," said Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Martel, the 1-507th PIR senior enlisted leader. "Once those toys get to Santa’s Castle, they will be distributed to military families in need."
Inside Santa’s Castle
Established in 1986, Santa’s Castle provides toys for children of Fort Benning Soldiers experiencing financial hardship or unexpected life challenges. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit is 100% volunteer-run—primarily by military spouses—who operate a 'secret workshop' right here on post.
"Our mission is about taking care of our own and easing the holiday stress that can sometimes weigh on military families," said Debby Enslen, vice president of Santa’s Castle. "We want parents to walk in and feel a sense of relief, knowing that their community has their back."
The impact is significant; in 2024 alone, Santa's Castle provided gifts for more than 347 children in the Fort Benning community.
The shopping experience
For families whose applications are accepted, the experience is designed to be private and supportive. Soldiers or spouses meet with a volunteer "Elf Shopper" who keeps their identity and unit information confidential.
"Privacy is everything to us," Enslen said. "We use 'Elf Shoppers' so that a Soldier doesn't have to worry about walking in and seeing someone from their own chain of command. It allows them to just be parents picking out gifts for their kids without any fear of judgment."
During their appointment, parents select four to six gifts per child, a book, stocking stuffers, a family game, and wrapping paper.
"We don’t just hand them a bag of toys," Enslen added. "We give them the wrapping paper and the tape so they can go home, wrap the gifts themselves, and have that pride of being the one who put those presents under the tree. It’s about preserving the magic of Christmas for the whole family."
A community-wide effort
While Operation Toy Drop is a major annual contributor, the Castle relies on support from units across the installation. For example, the 199th Infantry Brigade recently conducted its own "Toy Run," where Soldiers combined physical readiness with community service by collecting toy donations.
"The Castle exists thanks to the dedication and generosity of our loyal volunteers and donors," Enslen said. Donations from groups like the 199th and the 507th show that “taking care of Soldiers is a collective mission here at Fort Benning. We accept donations year-round because the need doesn't just happen in December; we are constantly preparing."
How to apply or donate
Santa's Castle operates on an application basis. Families must be active duty, stationed at Fort Benning, and have not utilized the Castle for more than two years.
- When to apply: The application window typically opens in September. Families must provide a detailed explanation of their financial hardship, such as medical expenses, vehicle troubles, or unforeseen PCS costs.
- Requirements: Applicants must provide a DEERS Statement or DD Form 1172-2 to verify children (ages 0–18) living at their residence. No rank restriction.
- Emergency cases: In cases of emergency—such as fire, flood, or a death in the family—a chaplain or commander may contact the organization directly.
- How to help: Donations are welcome from individuals, businesses and military units. 100 percent of monetary donations go directly toward purchasing toys to fill gaps in inventory.
For more information on volunteering, applying or donating, visit Fort Benning’s Santa’s Castle.
Social Sharing