(KCEN) -- More than 700 Fort Hood children will be able to open presents this Christmas, all thanks to "Operation Once In A Lifetime."
The organization is one of the nation's only military non-profits that does not require soldiers to qualify for assistance.
All the way from the DFW, more than 2,000 Christmas presents were unloaded and handed out to Fort Hood families.
"I'm just getting a few gifts for the kids trying to make their holiday a little bit brighter," said Fort Hood soldier Lawrence Shephard.
Shephard, said times haven't always been easy for he and his family.
"I have two special needs daughters at home their both autistic and ADHD," said Shephard.
So like many others, having the non profit to rely on takes a lot of stress off what should be, the happiest time of year.
"I think its good to be able to give back to your community or to whomever is less fortunate," said military wife Laura King.
And that's exactly what this non profit is all about.
Regardless of rank, deployment, or branch, all U.S. soldiers qualify for Operation Once In A Lifetime making Christmas possible for many.
"It kind of helps those of us that are lower ranking to kind of keep more money in our pockets to kind of take care of the bills," said Shephard
"For us to be able to do this for our fellow soldiers and the guys that are filling our shoes after we leave the service, it's important to us, so it's a very satisfying and rewarding job," said manager of Support Troops Resale Center John Valentine.
Even though the holidays aren't always the easiest time of year, Shephard said one things for sure.
"It's nice to know that there are people out there who do still have a heart," said Shephard.
And thanks to those people, more than 70,000 dollars in gifts were given out to Fort Hood families this Christmas
