Military Mom Ramps Up Toy Drive For Troops' Families

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – A military mom who lost her son in combat is again holding her annual toy drive to fulfill the Christmas wishes of hundreds of military families in our area.

For the fourth year in a row, Deborah Getz is organizing a toy drive for the organization Never Forget Our Fallen. Getz launched the annual event after her son, 18-year-old Army Ranger Kristopher Thomas, was killed in Afghanistan.

"It's extremely hard, I have a hole in my heart, it's never going to mend," Getz said.

Since Christmas was Kristopher's favorite holiday, it's difficult to celebrate the season without him, but Getz said she found happiness in bringing joy to other military families.

"It helps me through each and every day. I know those families are in need," she said.

The toy drive kicked off Saturday morning at the Green Acres Nursery in Roseville, but a number of locations throughout the Sacramento region will accept toy donations as Getz prepares for the big Santa Claus party for military children on December 17.

A list of drop-off locations and information on how to make monetary donations is available on NeverForgetOurFallen.com.