Kroger is kicking off the holiday season with “Operation: Gingerbread,” a warm and emotional animated film that pays tribute to military families and celebrates the power of homecoming. Released on Veterans Day, the spot also recognizes the United Service Organizations and its long-standing mission to support service members and their families.
“We believe the holidays are about moments that bring us closer together,” said Mary Ellen Adcock, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchant and Marketing Officer at Kroger. “This film is a tribute to the families who make every homecoming unforgettable and to the service members whose sacrifices inspire us all.”
“Operation: Gingerbread,” adam&eveDDB New York, follows a determined young girl who rallies her family and friends to bake a uniquely shaped gingerbread cookie. When a beloved family member returns home, the reason behind the special design is revealed, underscoring the sweetness of reunion. Watch below:
Kroger remains the largest cumulative donor in the USO’s eighty-four-year history. The company has contributed more than $44 million, including $1 million this year alone. Since 2022, Kroger has also supported the USO’s mobile canteen program, helping service members decompress and reconnect. Most recently, the retailer backed two mobile centers deployed to aid U.S. Navy personnel and civilians affected by Hurricane Melissa.
“We are deeply grateful for Kroger’s continued support,” said Ben Leslie, Chief Development Officer of the USO. “This short film captures the love and connection of the holidays. Together, we are ensuring our military community always feels the appreciation and support they deserve.”
Kroger’s holiday initiatives extend beyond storytelling. The company is providing a full Thanksgiving meal to more than 350 troops at Fort Stewart in Georgia. It will also once again support USO’s Project Elf, which gives holiday gifts to the children of junior enlisted service members.
The retailer’s commitment to the military community runs year-round. Kroger has hired more than fifty thousand veterans across retail, logistics, technology, and other departments over the past decade. In recognition of Veterans Day, Kroger Family of Stores is offering a ten percent discount to veterans, active service members, and their families with valid military identification.
The film was shaped with meaningful contributions from Kroger’s veteran associates. Their firsthand experiences helped ensure that the uniforms, gestures, and emotional beats surrounding a service member’s return felt authentic and respectful.
“We hope this film reminds people that the heart of the holidays is being together,” noted Amanda Mitchell, a veteran and service owner for the Contact Center of Excellence at Kroger. “For those still waiting for their loved ones to come home, we hope it captures both the longing and the joy that define this season.”
With its heartfelt story and genuine reverence for military families, Kroger’s holiday film reflects the company’s broader commitment to community, belonging and gratitude during the most meaningful time of the year.
REELated:
S.Pellegrino invites us to slow down Italian style for the holidays
