By GAYLA CAWLEY
LYNN — Operation Military Smiles Toy Shops, a Military Friends Foundation Project, will be bringing one of their shops to Lynn for the first time on Sunday at 10 Church St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Military Friends Foundation is partnering with the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), an initiative of Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development (LHAND) to bring smiles to children of veterans and fallen service members.
Service members, veterans and families of fallen service members are invited to attend and shop for free for their kids, ages 2 to 15. The adults-only event is intended to allow parents and grandparents an opportunity to surprise their loved ones on Christmas, said Sarah Sweeney, executive director of the foundation.
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Sweeney said the Operation Military Smiles initiative was founded in 2011, through a partnership with a group of mothers who had lost their children in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Service members, veterans and dependents don’t have to RSVP to shop, but must bring proof of service, such as a military identification.
There will be more than 1,000 toys, Sweeney said, which have been donated from all over the state, through toy drives at high schools and businesses and from private citizens.
“This is a way we can recognize military members and their spouses and hopefully help bring some holiday cheer to families who have given so much,” she said.
The foundation has set up a toy shop in Brockton in previous years. That event continues Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Brockton VA Medical Center.
Erin Sheehan, SSVF program manager, said there will be a gift wrapping station and snacks offered at the shop in Lynn. She’s hoping for a good turnout.
“It’s a great opportunity for families to come out locally and not travel,” Sheehan said. “The need is great around the holidays. Everyone can use a little bit of extra support. Events like this are designed to do that for families.”
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley