M.R.
When my husband was deployed, I gave my children "daddy pillows." On each pillow case was a picture of dad and child. The kids loved to hug and say good night to daddy. You can still order personalized items through kodakgallery.com and get them in time for Christmas.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/category.jsp?parentCa...
It is very kind of you to help out those kids. This must be a very difficult time for them.
Take care and best wishes,
M.