Woman Helps Collect Toys For Military Families In Memory Of Fallen Son

ROSEVILLE (CBS13) - A local military mom is granting Christmas wishes to hundreds of military families; and this year, the need is greater than ever.

Deborah Getz organizes the toy drive in memory of her son killed serving overseas.

"It still feels like yesterday," she said.

It's been nearly six years since Getz found out her son Christopher was killed in Afghanistan.

"Some days you don't know if you can get your right foot in front of the other," said Getz.

But she's turning her sadness into joy.

"I wanted to be able to do more to give back," she said.

So every holiday season, Getz puts on her elf costume and goes to work, granting Christmas wishes for thousands.

"It helped me through each and every day," Getz said.

She says it's in memory of Christopher and his favorite holiday.

"We are just so honored to be here to give back," said Carl Lascheck, Patriot Guard Riders.

Her organization, Never Forget Our Fallen, has donated thousands of new and unwrapped toys over the past five years.

"The military families don't have the income that people think that they have, and it's our way to giving back because we appreciate what they do for our freedoms," said Getz.

It's her way to keep Christopher's memory living on, and those donating say it's their way to show their respect for the sacrifices made for our freedom.

"Military families, 24 hours a day, are saving our freedom, keeping us free," donator Rocky Pearson said. "Some children face the loss of their family members, so if we can help them at Christmas by giving them toys."

Green Acres Nursery in Roseville is still taking donations.