Operation Toy Drop: British paratroopers join effort to deliver gifts to families in need
British paratroopers deployed in the United States have embraced the Christmas spirit by taking part in a multinational operation to donate toys to families in need.
Personnel from the British Army teamed up with other parachutists from the US, Germany and Chile to take part in Operation Toy Drop.
The personnel also completed a static line jump to support local families near Fort Moore in Georgia.
The UK Defence Staff in the US said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that "British Army soldiers in Georgia have been spreading a little festive cheer".
Specialist Tynisha Daniel of the 319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment explained how Operation Toy Drop has been going since 1998.
It is the largest collective airborne operation training event coordinated by the US Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) and the US Army Reserve.
She said: "With many long hours spent planning and executing the event each year, over 100,000 toys have been donated since 1998.
"Contrary to popular belief, jumpmasters and paratroopers don't actually drop the toys when jumping from aircraft.
"Instead, paratroopers turn in their donated toys and receive a lottery ticket number prior to the event. If their number is chosen they are then given the opportunity to jump.
"Some soldiers stand in line with their toys nearly 12 hours before the event in hopes of receiving a lucky lottery number to ensure their opportunity to jump and gain foreign jump wings."
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