Navy Family Looks Forward to Holiday Toy Drive
Nearly a decade ago, Senior Chief Petty Officer Fred Donguines and his wife heard about Operation Homefront and since then have taken part in its family-friendly events like the Back-to-School Brigade and Holiday Toy Drive.
This past Christmas, the family enjoyed participating in the Holiday Toy Drive in New Orleans, Louisiana, where Donguines is stationed at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. He went to the drive-thru event with his wife, Maria, and daughters, Francine, 13, and Francesca, 6.
They got two bags full of toys and supplies. Francine received beads, and Francesca got a toy to make bracelets. The support the family has received has reminded Fred there are people out there who appreciate the sacrifices made by military families.
Fred joined the Navy 19 years ago when living in Guam. He wanted to become independent, travel, and get an education. He deployed twice—once in 2005-2006 for Operation Iraqi Freedom and again in 2013-2014 in the western Pacific. He is currently a hospital corpsman and working towards a master’s degree in hospital administration.
“I want to thank Operation Homefront sponsors and donors for the support,” he said. “By continuing to support Operation Homefront, they are making a difference for military families by alleviating some of the financial pressure and stress. I know military families really appreciate it.”
