The United States Veterans Corps' (USVC) is "a group of military and first responder veterans performing 'hands on' community service with a mission deployment attitude," according to their website myusvc.com. Toys For Lil Troops Program, a part of USVC, is the Guinness World Record holder for the largest number of toys donated in 24 hours.

The goal of Toys For Lil Troops is to provide toys to the children of deployed and low-income troops. And USVC, with their Toys for Lil Troops program, plans to bring all their toy power to bear on behalf of Fayetteville area military and first responder affiliated children on Dec. 18. With the support of Skyfest, a North Carolina community festival that sports all variations of aerial displays, such as parachute demonstrations, flyovers, helicopter rappelling and memorable performances, Operation: Toy Drop is stacked for family fun success.

The event will begin with a flyover by the Bandit Flight Team during the national anthem.

Based out of Raleigh, the Bandit Flight Team flies vintage planes and describes themselves as "highly-trained, experienced pilots that combine their love of flying with an appreciation for vintage military aircraft."

Next, the All Veterans Group, a group comprised of active military and veteran parachutists, will do a demonstration jump and lay the foundation for the man of the season. Santa will be next to "drop-in," but Santa won't be alone; his elves and the Grinch will be parachuting in, too.

Toys wrapped in sacks will be dropped in from a Special Operations helicopter using special 5-foot parachutes specially sized for the task.

The American Bombshells will entertain the crowd during the aerial demonstrations and announce giveaway winners.

This is Operation: Toy Drop's third year; last year, the event was very different due to COVID-19 restrictions. Instead of folks walking around, it was a drive-up event.

Amelia Smith attended Operation: Toy Drop last year with her nephews and a friend's children. Even having to drive through the event, they had a great time. "It's really is an awesome event for anybody to take the kids to," Smith said. Smith explained that the USVC set up an organized and thoughtful event despite being set up to be driven- through. With limited information from each child, including age, volunteers could choose and distribute appropriate presents for each child.

Smith's group of kids could even hop out of the vehicle after the Grinch parachuted in to grab a few quick pictures.

This year will be much different; hotdogs, chips and drinks will be on offer for attendees, and visitors will be able to roam the event and experience all that is on offer.

Founder of the USVC and Toys For Lil Troops, Staff Sgt. Stan Pinkus will be in attendance with his family.

Pinkus, who has faced some health issues, was cleared to jump in with the parachutists for the event. The organization has a special surprise planned to honor him on his upcoming eightieth birthday.

Operation: Toy Drop will be held at Raeford Airport, located at 155 Airport Drive. The event is from 2 to 4 p.m. However, USVC President Andrew Ladner recommends attendees be on time. While the organization has secured what Ladner described as an "18 wheeler" of toys, they do go fast.

"Be on time; the toys go fast! So, while the event says 2 p.m to 4 p.m., it starts at 2. My advice is to show up when it is says to show up," he said.