The holiday season is a time for giving, gratitude, and gathering as a community. For military families, it’s also a time to reflect on their unique bonds and the sacrifices they’ve made in service to our country. This December, Mission Roll Call is honored to join the United States Veterans Corps (USVC) for their annual Operation Toy Drop, an extraordinary event dedicated to bringing holiday cheer to the children of active-duty and retired service members.

Taking place on Saturday, December 21, from 2-4 p.m. EST at Raeford Airport, Operation Toy Drop is much more than just a toy giveaway. It’s a powerful tradition, a community celebration, and a reminder of the gratitude we owe to military families year-round.

A Tradition of Giving Back

The roots of Operation Toy Drop run deep. Originally hosted by Ft. Bragg (now Ft. Liberty), this cherished event stopped around 2014/2015, leaving a void in the community. The United States Veterans Corps, led by President Andy Ladner, saw the importance of bringing it back. Driven by their passion for service and the spirit of giving, they revived Operation Toy Drop with a clear mission: to honor the program’s intent of serving military-connected families.

Unlike similar programs that distribute toys more broadly, Operation Toy Drop ensures that every gift goes directly to children of current and retired service members. “These toys are for military veterans and first responders,” Ladner said. “We encourage anyone who lives in the Raeford and Fayetteville area that has military families to come to this event. It’s a very fun event to go to.”

What to Expect at Operation Toy Drop

The excitement begins at 2 p.m. EST with thrilling air demonstrations that captivate attendees of all ages. Families can watch in awe as aircraft soar overhead, a nod to the event’s roots in airborne operations. Just before 3 p.m., the real magic begins:

At 2:55 p.m., the toy area opens, and the area transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with thousands of toys. Thanks to donations and the tireless work of volunteers, Operation Toy Drop ensures that each child receives at least three toys, spreading smiles far and wide. With 500 to 1,000 children expected to attend, the atmosphere is nothing short of joyous chaos—a testament to the generosity of the community and the spirit of the season.

Behind the scenes, 30 to 50 volunteers help make the event possible, from sorting toys to coordinating logistics. This year, Mission Roll Call is proud to have team members on-site to support the event and lend a helping hand.

“It’s an incredible sight,” Ladner shared. “We fill an entire airplane hangar with toys and use cargo trailers to deliver them. We want every child to feel special and find something they love.”

Why It Matters

For military families, Operation Toy Drop is more than a holiday event—it’s a symbol of appreciation and a reminder that their sacrifices don’t go unnoticed. Military life can often mean missed holidays, frequent relocations, and other unique challenges for children. Events like this help ease those burdens, creating moments of joy and connection that families can carry with them.

“Military families often put their needs last,” says Ladner. “This is one day where we get to focus on them, give back, and make sure they know how much their service means to us all.”

How to Get Involved

For those inspired by this mission, there are plenty of opportunities to support Operation Toy Drop. Whether by volunteering, donating toys, or spreading the word, every effort helps make the holidays brighter for military families. To stay updated on future events and learn how you can contribute, follow the Operation Toy Drop Event Facebook Page or visit the United States Veterans Corps website.

Mission Roll Call is proud to stand alongside the United States Veterans Corps in this effort. We know that the strength of our military families is vital to the strength of our nation, and events like Operation Toy Drop embody the very best of the holiday season: generosity, gratitude, and community.

Join us at Raeford Airport on December 21 to experience the magic firsthand. Together, we can make this season one to remember for the children of those who have served and sacrificed for us all.