MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- More than 200 families from Camp Pendleton’s Headquarters and Support Battalion celebrated Christmas a little early this year during their annual holiday party at the Historical Santa Margarita Ranch House, Dec. 11.

“I would like to give a huge thank you to all the volunteers and Marines that worked so hard to make this evening so special for our families,” said Col. James A. Hogberg, commanding officer, HQSPT Bn., Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.  “Without their hard work and dedication this day could have never been possible.”

In order to make the holiday party possible this year it took the hard work of Rebecca Gamboa, the battalion’s family readiness officer along with numerous Marines from the unit and military spouses.

During the holiday party, children decorated cookies, made holiday cards for their parents, worked up a sweat in a moon bounce, and received a free gift. The room exploded with excitement when Santa Claus and his elves stopped by to give treats, find out what the kids wanted for Christmas and pose for photos.

“When our battalion comes together to put events such as this on for us, it really goes to show how much they care about the Marines and their families, “ said Lance Cpl. Ricardo Uriate, mail clerk, HQSPT Bn., MCB Camp Pendleton. “This holiday party gets better and better every year.”

After the families enjoyed a complimentary dinner, the night ended with a raffle in which attendees won prizes such as MP3 players, digital printers, gift cards and a flat screen television.