Across the state of Missouri, we’re celebrating so much at KVC. The lives of 33,900 children and adults have been positively impacted. 9,647 people have been served through community-based services and programs that strengthen families and support mental wellness. More than 1,100 youth and students have received mental health support in residential treatment or our K-12 therapeutic schools. 

In this season of giving, our hearts are filled with gratitude. It’s wonderful seeing members of our community come together to care for children who deserve a magical holiday. 

And among those lifting the spirits of children are the generous soldiers at U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood. The soldiers donate their time and hundreds of gifts each year, making the holidays special for children connected to KVC Missouri.

Holiday Heroes: Bringing Joy to KVC

The children and youth receiving care through KVC Missouri have often led very difficult lives. Some have been separated from their families, others are living in residential treatment at St. James or other facilities and still more are receiving help through our community-based services for various behavioral, mental and trauma-related challenges. 

What is Holiday Heroes?

Holiday Heroes is a program we do each year, where we share wishlists from children connected to KVC Missouri. Then we invite members of our local community to fulfill those wishes and make a child’s holiday special. With drop-off locations throughout Missouri, we make it as accessible as possible for our communities to share!

How Soldiers are Marching in the Holiday Spirit

For over a decade, the 84th Chemical Battalion and the 3rd Chemical Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood have been making a difference for Missouri children and youth. They ensure every single child at St. James and involved in community-based services receives at least one gift for the holidays. Not only do they donate gifts, but they do so in a fun and engaging way that brings everyone together for two special holiday experiences.

The Holiday Ruck March

Early in the morning, Senior Director of Development Kathy Anderson and other staff at St. James gathered the residents and headed to Fort Leonard Wood for the annual holiday ruck march. A typical ruck march involves soldiers walking long distances while carrying a heavy backpack full of gear. For this special march, more than 200 soldiers carried gifts specially selected for the children of St. James in their packs.

To add to the holiday charm, the soldiers decked out their uniforms with tinsel, twinkle lights and even a few themed costumes to turn the ruck march into a festive parade for the children to enjoy!

“It really touches your heart,” shared Kathy. “The soldiers are very, very into this! They’ve been doing it for years, and they really get into giving for the kids.” This year, the soldiers brought more gifts than ever before in the hopes that their generosity could extend beyond St. James and bless children at other campuses throughout Missouri!

At the end of the march, the soldiers packed our trailer with gifts. They even had a contest for the most festively dressed unit. We wrapped up the morning with hot cocoa and donuts. Here, the kids got the chance to meet and thank the soldiers!

“Home for the Holidays” Campus Dinner

These soldiers are so passionate about making the season special for the children at St. James that they didn’t stop at handing out presents. They returned a few days later to eat dinner with the residents, play games and watch them open their presents! “They know what it’s like to not be with their families this time of year,” shares Kathy, who noted that a lot of these soldiers have experience with foster care.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Due to the nature of military service, we see many different soldiers each year get involved, and it’s always special to see new faces light up and get excited to care for these children! “They’re not only giving their lives for us to be free; they’re also giving to their communities. This is by far their favorite way to help,” shares Kathy.

For some soldiers, once a year is not enough. One recently retired soldier who is staying in the area has loved partnering with KVC Missouri so much that he has created a donation drive with his church to help us get new items for our birthday room at St. James! It’s this sort of dedication that leaves us in awe of the soldiers who have so much love to give. We’re so grateful they chose to give it to children in need of a little love over the holidays.

Giving Back This Holiday: How You Can Help

These soldiers are a shining example of the power of generosity, and you can be too! Holiday heroes come in many forms. And we are so thankful for every person who gives of their time or their finances. You truly make a difference for the children we support at KVC Missouri. Whether you’re giving a financial gift, fulfilling a child’s wishlist or even coming to one of our campuses to help organize and wrap gifts, every big and small act of giving has a big impact.

Learn how you can become a holiday hero to children throughout Missouri here.