The Gary Sinise Foundation, renowned for its support of military families, is broadening its reach to encompass the families of fallen first responders. This expansion of the "Snowball Express" program will provide these families with resources and support as they navigate their grief and recovery.

The program, which already assists thousands of military families through workshops and community events, will now offer similar support to first responder families. This includes year-round access to community gatherings and a special event at Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, Florida, in December.

The Snowball Express for families of fallen military heroes is scheduled for December 2nd through 6th, while the event for families of fallen first responders will take place from December 9th to 13th.

Founded by actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise in 2011, the foundation builds upon his decade-long commitment to supporting military, veteran, and first responder communities. Sinise shared with Fox News Digital, "We're always seeking ways to expand our impact at the Gary Sinise Foundation. Supporting children, especially those who have lost a loved one in service, is paramount."

He emphasized the importance of embracing these families, stating, "We felt compelled to extend our Snowball Express initiative to support the grieving families of our fallen first responders. We aim to provide comfort and assistance as they face the immense challenge of losing a loved one."

The Snowball Express program has its roots in the mid-2000s, initially involving families of fallen military members visiting Disneyland. Sinise's involvement began with performances by his band, the Lt. Dan Band, at these events. The program formally joined the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2017, and the first official Snowball Express Disney event was held at Walt Disney World Resort in 2018.

Last year's event marked a record attendance, with over 1,850 participants from more than 500 cities and overseas locations.

Sinise highlighted the shared dedication of military personnel and first responders, stating, "There's a strong connection between the service of our military members and those who protect our communities. Both face inherent risks, and we want to support the families of first responders who make the ultimate sacrifice."