FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — From Camp Lejeune to Fort Bragg, Operation Homefront is working to improve the lives of military families.

Operation Homefront is a nationwide nonprofit that expanded to North Carolina three years ago. Samantha Martin is the area manager that helps run the organization.

What You Need To Know

  • Operation Homefront is nationwide nonprofit working to improve lives of military families

  • The annual holiday meal drive is Dec. 10 at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fayetteville

  • Operation Homefront serves more than 500 military families in North Carolina

“Our goal is to build strong, stable and secure military families so they can thrive in the communities they work so hard to protect,” Martin said.

Throughout the year, Operation Homefront hosts a variety of family events, including a back to school drive and a holiday meal drive. Martin says the holiday season can be an especially challenging time for troops and their families.

“Most American families enjoy time with that special meal with their families and just making memories, and many of our military families are away from their families,” Martin said.

The nonprofit serves about 500 military families around the state. They primarily focus on junior enlisted soldiers and injured or sick service members.

“When they actually see all these items, just this week we had a number of wives break down and cry, and share their story of how they're struggling and how this meal in this case was a holiday meal and the books, and the toys and the puzzles and everything along with it just makes a difference in their lives,” Martin said.

For Martin, the work she does with Operation Homefront hits home.

“My daughter joined the Air Force and is now stationed across the country having her first child and it really gives me an opportunity to serve military families. Knowing there are organizations there, in fact Operation Homefront is there, to support her and her new family,” Martin said.

Aside from family events, Operation Homefront also helps with financial burdens and assistance with temporary and permanent housing programs.

Operation Homefront’s annual holiday drive is being held Dec. 10 at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fayetteville. Registration is required to attend the event.