Louisville nonprofit collecting toys, gift cards for children of active duty military members

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville nonprofit is asking for donations to give to the children of active duty military members this holiday season.

USA Cares provides assistance to veterans and active duty military personnel and their families, but this mission is a little different.

"Normally, we are dealing with stopping evictions, stopping foreclosure, so it's a really stressful, sad situation," said Trace Chesser, USA Cares CEO. "I mean, this, look at it. You get to go out and play Santa and you give toys to them, so we love this because you are making a kid's day."

For the last several weeks, the organization has been collecting toys and gift cards for the children of active duty military men and women.

Some of the items were donated by the Justin Thomas Foundation, but more are needed. USA Cares will be delivering the toys and gift cards to Ft. Knox this weekend.

"Gift cards are probably the No. 1 thing that's needed right now, but if we could get them delivered here, we would include it with this," Chesser said. "Everyone is struggling now with inflation, but our active duty is known to have a lot of challenges as far as, you know, they can't really keep up with the private sector, their pay. We love our military and they're treated well, but some of our younger service members, their pay is not up to the normal standard of what you would think for the standard of living."

To donate, reach out to USA Cares at (800) 773-0387 or email info@usacares.org. For information about donating or volunteering, click here.