Shortly before Christmas, staff members at US Family Health Plan’s management office in North Kingstown took a break from working to wrap hundreds of gifts that would be donated to children of military families in Rhode Island.

The company began a toy and book drive in mid-November, asking its members, providers and staff to donate gifts, which would be distributed through Operation Tribute.

Some of the more generous contributors included Anchor Medical practices and the billing department at Landmark Medical in Lincoln.

“[US Family Health Plan has] served Rhode Island military families for more than 15 years, helping them with their health care needs,” said David Chicoine, senior vice president and plan CEO of US Family Health Plan. “It’s nice to stop and take a moment to help them in other ways when we can, as well.”

All donations were sorted by staff members according to age, and were then wrapped and decorated with ribbons, bows and tags before they were given to Operation Tribute. •