Katie Garberding, Pacific City Councilmember and USO Northwest volunteer, has helped organize a local toy and food drive to support military families this holiday season.

“A large part of the USO’s mission is to lift morale and offer support to our military and their families,” Garberding said. “There are many local military families in need this year. One unit, in particular, is stationed out of JBLM (Joint Base Lewis-McChord), and they have made a request for support, which includes 168 families this holiday season.

“The military and their families are very close to my heart,” Garberding said, “and putting a smile on the face of a child who has a parent away during the holidays makes the world a little bit brighter.”

New, unwrapped toys for all ages and non-perishable food items may be dropped off before Dec. 20 at Albertsons, 4010 A Street SE, Auburn.

If your office would like to host a private toy drive, or if you have questions on how you can help military members and families, please contact Garberding at kvgarberding@gmail.com.