. >> reporter: mom lyette got the idea to start the program when she noticed a social media post from a military widow feeling cash strapped wondering if there were programs available to help families like hers at the holidays. realizing there were no programs in place, she and her family gold star christmas gives donors the options to shop for their gifts themselves or to donate money or gift cards that the rebacks use to make the children of fallen soldiers feel special at this special time of year. we spent time with the family as they hit the stores playing the role of santa claus. checking the kids' lists. >> good job. >> picking what's nice. >> no. orange is my favorite. >> bringing the items home to wrap and seal with a customized >> well, we wrap and then we put the ribbon around it, and then we might put a few stamps on it, and then my sister glory will, like, draw cool designs for it. >> is the house like a little factory? >> it looks like santa's workshop exploded. there's tape, ribbon, flags, scissors, sharpies and gifts all over the place. >> karen vaughan, who lost her s