KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Children spending the holidays at Bronson Children’s Hospital enjoyed some Christmas cheer Tuesday from members of the Michigan Army National Guard.

The Michigan Army National Guard delivered more than 1,000 toys to the hospital as part of Operation Santa’s Soldiers. The initiative started in 2023 as a way for the Guard to give back to their local communities, with three Kalamazoo-area businesses gathering toys from the community.

This year, the number of participating businesses grew to 20, and Sgt. First Class Derek Gallegos with the Michigan Army National Guard hopes it grows even more next year.

“I was able to meet a family that we helped affect last year while we were out setting up boxes this year,” he said. “To see that come full circle, it made everything worthwhile.”

He said when he was a kid, a business adopted his family while they were dealing with a tragedy.

“So now being able to be in a position where I can give back to so many across southwest Michigan, it is probably one of the most humbling experiences and rewarding I’ve ever had,” he said.

Over the next few days, the hospital will set up holiday workshops where families with patients in the hospital can shop for toys to give to their kids.

“We are so grateful to the Michigan Army National Guard and to the 20 local businesses that they were able to identify who allowed for toy drop-offs, and so thankful to the community to donate those toys and gifts to the children and families in Bronson Children’s Hospital,” Terry Morrow, president of the Bronson Health Foundation, said. “It means a great deal to the youngest patients under our care and their families to be able to celebrate the holidays during what might otherwise be a difficult time.”