Johnson, the founder and president of Swingin’ Fore Soldiers, wanted to recreate the very merry and sometimes over-the-top Christmas celebrations she experienced as a child growing up in Gowrie.

“I want everyone to have a cup of that Christmas cheer,” Johnson said.

A festive atmosphere was indeed achieved.

Two dozen trees, richly decorated by local groups and businesses, formed a path leading to Santa. The other side of the room featured stations where people could make ornaments and enjoy a variety of cozy snacks.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
A group of children gather around to make reindeer chow Saturday at the Operation Ornament event hosted by Swingin' Fore Soldiers at the Laramar Ballroom in Fort Dodge.

Santa even got a five-star review from Sloan Eggers, 7, of Fort Dodge.

“That Santa’s real,” she said.

Her dad, JD Eggers, had a special reason to come out and help support veterans.

“I had four friends that served,” he said. “Three came back.”

His grandfather served in World War II.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
The whole Eggers family, of Fort Dodge, gets into the picture with Santa Saturday during the Operation Ornament event hosted by Swingin' Fore Soldiers at the Laramar Ballroom in Fort Dodge. They are, from left, Sloan Eggers, 7; Paxton Eggers, 5; Brody Eggers, 3; Courtney Eggers and JD Eggers.

“Grandpa lied about his age; he was actually 15,” Eggers said. “I have tons of respect for that.”

Swingin’ Fore Soldiers has a simple motto.

Johnson said they ask “those that can give, to give, and for those who can’t give, to get.”

One hundred percent of the funds raised goes to military families. The group helps with emergency financial needs for things like groceries, car repairs, gas and even house payments.

“It’s emergency funding for active (military), vets, reserves and Gold Star families,” she said.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Gianna Archibald, 8, at left, and her sister, Olivia Archibald, 11, of Fort Dodge, work on putting ornaments together Saturday at the Operation Ornament event hosted by Swingin' Fore Soldiers at the Laramar Ballroom in Fort Dodge.

Since the group was founded in 2019, Johnson said they’ve given back about $230,000. The weekend Operation Ornament event raised about $6,500 and nearly 600 people attended.

“We’re very grateful,” she said.

Lizzy Condon, of Fort Dodge, was among those 600 visitors.

She enjoyed the day.

“I think it’s beautiful,” Condon said. “This feels like Christmas.”

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Gianna Archibald, 8, of Fort Dodge, puts her finished ornament on the tree honoring veterans during the Operation Ornament event hosted by Swingin' Fore Soldiers at the Laramar Ballroom in Fort Dodge.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Some of the richly decorated Christmas trees at the Operation Ornament event hosted by Swingin' Fore Soldiers at the Laramar Ballroom in Fort Dodge are reflected in a fireplace mantle.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Lizzy Condon, of Fort Dodge, stops to photograph her daughter Olivia Condon, 4, Saturday as they visit the Operation Ornament event hosted by Swingin' Fore Soldiers at the Laramar Ballroom in Fort Dodge.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
One of the Christmas trees at the Operation Ornament event hosted by Swingin' Fore Soldiers at the Laramar Ballroom in Fort Dodge features photographs of veterans in uniform.