Sam's Club said Tuesday that it would host three nationwide open houses for military personnel, including retired or active service men and women and their families, for the holidays, offering them the opportunity to shop without being members.

The company will also waive its 10 percent non-member service fee for military personnel during the open houses.

To kick off the event, Sam's Club said it is offering holiday greeting card photo sessions on Nov. 17 in several military base towns across the country.

"We hope this event makes the holidays easier for military families and, if we can help them enjoy a special meal or find a unique gift, our mission will be accomplished," said Greg Johnston, evp, operations at Sam's Club.

More than 3,000 Sam's Club and Walmart associates are active military personnel, and the company supports numerous military and veterans programs.

Meanwhile, HEB is joining with IBC Bank for Operation Care Drop, to support the nation's troops. The community can support the effort by purchasing pre-made care packages at participating HEB stores, or by purchasing travel-sized supplies and treats to fit inside a quart-sized plastic jug and placing it in the "Drop Zone" at any IBC Bank branch. Customers can also write a letter of support or thanks to a soldier.

The San Antonio-based chain's drive runs from Nov. 11 through Nov. 30.