Melaleuca Brings Christmas Magic to Military Children
This holiday season, Melaleuca joined with the Idaho National Guard (ING) in a shared mission: to bring Christmas joy to 63 children whose parents serve in the US Army. What unfolded was a time filled with kindness, connection, and heartfelt gratitude from both families and soldiers.
Melaleuca’s commitment to military families came to life in a meaningful and unforgettable way as the company and dozens of Team Members participated in the Idaho National Guard’s Toy Task Force.
Melaleuca did far more than deliver gifts,” said Captain Stephen Malloy, who commands the soldiers at the Idaho Falls Armory. “They showed our families that they are seen, valued, and appreciated. For our children to feel that kind of support from the community means more than I can express. Melaleuca’s contributions made this Christmas unforgettable for our Soldiers and their families.”
As part of the unit’s annual Christmas celebration, which took place during their December drill, Melaleuca also gifted soldiers a personalized gift bag containing Melaleuca Simply Fit Lemon Blueberry Muffin Mix and two bags of Riverbend Ranch Beef Sticks. These high-quality snacks were a small but sincere expression of Melaleuca’s gratitude for the soldiers’ dedication, service, and sacrifice.
Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Bobby Earley added, “To our families, this meant the world. Melaleuca has shown time and again that they care about the people behind the uniform. They unexpectedly donated 50 hams and turkeys last Christmas in addition to big boxes of chocolates for every Soldier. They have provided tickets to community events and even sponsored our unit ball so our spouses could be celebrated. Words of support are always appreciated, but Melaleuca has proven through their actions that they stand beside our Soldiers and their families.”
Team Members Became Christmas Elves
When leaders from the ING’s Morale, Welfare, & Recreation program reached out for help, Melaleuca was happy to partner on the Toy Task Force. Military children constantly make unseen sacrifices. They face uncertainty with courage. And all of them support a parent in uniform in ways that the world rarely sees.
Melaleuca Team Members selected gift tags listing each child’s wishes and interests. Shopping on the clock, they returned with thoughtful gifts.
But Melaleuca didn’t stop there.
The company held a large gift-wrapping activity, where Team Members gathered to hand-wrap every single present. Laughter, ribbon, wrapping paper, and Christmas music filled Melaleuca headquarters as every gift was carefully prepared.
Delivering Gifts and Receiving a Special Honor
Melaleuca delivered the beautifully wrapped gifts to the Idaho Falls Armory, where several soldiers helped our Team Members unload the gifts and place them under the Christmas tree. Afterward, Melaleuca executives met with the military unit’s leadership team to discuss how Melaleuca can continue supporting servicemembers.
During this delivery, Melaleuca Vice President of Coaching & Leadership Bracken Abrams joined the group. On the drive over, he humbly mentioned that he had previously served with this very unit. Bracken deployed to Iraq with these soldiers after 9/11, and many of them, including Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Bobby Earley, were his brothers in arms. Returning to the armory to support their families made this moment deeply personal for Bracken and added a layer of meaning to Melaleuca’s visit.
The next day, Melaleuca Vice President of Public Relations Tony Lima attended the soldiers’ Christmas party, which was a warm gathering filled with anticipation as the soldiers’ children patiently waited to receive presents.
During the event, CSM Earley and Captain Malloy not only presented Melaleuca with a Certificate of Appreciation “for exceptional support and friendship to the soldiers,” but also gave the company a beautiful crest of the unit’s shield, which boldly states “Whenever, Wherever!”
Given as a token of unity between the 148th Field Artillery Unit and Melaleuca, the commander said it signifies “the amazing community relationship between our two organizations.” Afterward, Tony shared a heartfelt message with all of the soldiers and their families, honoring the family members for their often invisible sacrifices that make every soldier’s service possible. CSM Earley and Captain Malloy then invited Tony to help with handing out the presents to the children.
The Scooter Story That Melted Every Heart
One moment stood out. After receiving her present, Captain Malloy’s young daughter ran up to the Melaleuca representative and exclaimed: “How did you know? How did you know the one thing I wanted most in the whole world was a scooter?” She pointed proudly. “That scooter right there—that’s the one I wished for.”
Melaleuca’s Deep Ties to the Military Community
Melaleuca’s support of servicemembers has been recognized at both the local and national levels. The company has received the Seven Seals Award, one of the highest honors given by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for extraordinary patriotic support. And for more than 30 years, the company has hosted the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, one of the largest and most meaningful Fourth of July tributes in the nation.
The Idaho National Guard selected Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot to serve as the Honorary Commander of the 148th Field Artillery Brigade, a recognition of the company’s unwavering support.
Speaking his commitment to the military, Frank said, “I’ve frequently contemplated the selfless spirit and unwavering dedication of America’s service members as well as the unseen sacrifices made by their families. I’m convinced the 148th Field Artillery Regiment represents the very best of America, and I’m committed to supporting these brave men and women!”
A Season of Giving, A Commitment That Never Fades
This Christmas, because of Melaleuca Team Members:
- 63 military children felt seen and celebrated
- 75 soldiers felt supported by their community
- Families across Eastern Idaho experienced Christmas magic
Melaleuca has always believed that enhancing lives is more than a mission statement—it’s a way of life. And this year’s Toy Task Force partnership was an example of that belief in action.
