Farm Fresh teamed up with ConAgra Foods and the Marie Callender’s Comforts From Home Project to sponsor the annual USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia holiday party for active duty military and their families in the area.

A check for $5,000 was presented by Mark Merrill, Vice President Farm Fresh to USO Hampton Roads and Central Virginia Chief Operating Officer Karen Licari and President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Moran. With this donation, Farm Fresh and ConAgra Foods were able to provide all of the snacks and refreshments for the 5,500 attending military service members and their families.

“This is one of our most labor intensive, but highest rewarding events of the year,” said Paula Moran, president and chief executive officer of USOHRCV. “Each year, we look forward to spreading holiday cheer to military families in our area, especially those who may have a loved one deployed during the holiday season. We want to thank Farm Fresh and ConAgra foods for the generous support.”

This year, Marie Callender’s Comforts From Home Project teamed up with the USO to support USO Operation Celebration, a program that shares a bit of home with our troops and helps them celebrate every holiday big and small.

From Valentine’s Day dances to Thanksgiving dinners, it provides a “home away from home” for our troops stationed here and abroad to make sure every holiday is celebrated.

Each year, USOHRCV produces the annual holiday party and invites active duty military and their eligible dependents to partake in the free festivities offered. Families in attendance have the chance to receive giveaways from sponsors, enjoy complimentary refreshments and take a complimentary photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

This year’s event was headlined by the world-famous USO Show Troup, which performed holiday classics and patriotic music. Also in attendance were members of the Richmond Raiders cheerleading squad, who conducted a miniature cheer camp for attendees.