Marine Corps Base Quantico -- The Marine Corps Community Service Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) hosted their annual Christmas party Dec. 4 at the Lincoln Military Housing clubhouse from 6 to 8 p.m. to celebrate the holidays with more than 60 families.

During the holidays, EFMP families are constantly working to meet the needs of special needs children. A festive get-together was shaped to give more than 100 guests an opportunity to relax and network with other families aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico.

The festivities included holiday crafts, dinner catered by Mission Barbeque of Stafford, Virginia, and live music performed by the Quantico Marine Band’s Brass Quintet.

Each year Marines generously give of their time to work numerous hours in support of community events. A holiday memory was crafted for volunteer Lance Cpl. Blake Smith, Manpower Reserve Affairs Promotions Branch board clerk. He experienced reading to a group of enthusiastic and attentive children for the first time. As he turned each page, an additional child inched closer and closer to him.

Following story time, children grinned ear-to-ear upon the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. The special guests greeted the children and offered each child a special gift.

In the last year, EFMP has added a new member to their staff.

Carlton Sauls, EFMP program manager, mentioned he joined the team knowing the program had a great reputation.

“I continue to witness the staffs’ devotion and commitment to serving families in the community,” said Sauls. The holiday event on base “affirms our value for our military families, who work daily to balance military life with the demands of a special needs child.”

A small fraction of families in attendance will spend the holidays away from their deployed Marine. The EFMP staff also works to help those families during deployments.

“These are my families,” said EFMP staff member Kimberly Bonnette. “Working with EFMP is a rewarding job, because you know you’re helping Marines maintain a less stressful life. This population is so warm and giving and it is a joy to give back.”

For more information about the services provided by EFMP visit the team at 122 Neville Rd. or call 571-931-0524.

— Writer: iirby@quanticosentryonline.com