JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
It can be said military members today have a pension for giving back to the community any way they can. One Airman here took it upon herself to provide a fitting avenue to do just that.
Airman 1st Class Nila Curry, 744th Communications Squadron, coordinated one of the most successful events in the Feds Feed Families campaign here; The Feds Feed Families Pool Party.
"I decided to set up this party so that everyone on base would have the opportunity to come together for a good cause but at the same time have a blast," said Curry. "The event was very successful and I was pleased to see how excited people were to donate and fellowship with one another. The party collected more than 600 pounds of donations."
The campaign collects non-perishable food and other items, and distributes them to food banks in the National Capital Region. The nationwide goal for Feds Feed Families is to collect 2 million pounds of food. The Department of Defense goal is 733,800 pounds.
"The Feds Feed Families campaign is a great way to show the community that we care," said Curry. "15 Joint Base Andrews members assisted me with coordinating and advertizing the event as well as collecting the donations and running the party."
Curry added that the event was so successful because of the volunteers and the donations made to sponsor the event.
"DJ Spider volunteered to DJ the event and the Base Exchange donated t-shirts and perfume for door prizes," said Curry. "We even had someone donate two flat-screen televisions to raffle off."
More than 125 participants from the NCR participated in pool party events such as the swimming race and the pool treasure hunt. Each participant was requested to bring a minimum of three donations.
"I really had a great time at the event," said Airman 1st Class Max Hodges, 11th Wing Plans and Programs knowledge operations specialist and event participant. "It was a great way to give to those who need it and have a lot of fun with my friends at the same time."
Officials said the most-needed items include the following:
-- Canned vegetables: low sodium, no salt
-- Canned fruits: in light syrup or their own juices
-- Canned proteins: tuna, salmon, chicken, peanut butter and beans
-- Soups: beef stew, chili, chicken noodle, turkey or rice
-- Condiments: tomato-based sauces, light soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, salad
dressing or oils
-- Snacks: individually packed snacks, crackers, trail mix, dried fruit,
granola and cereal bars, pretzels and sandwich crackers
-- Multigrain cereal
-- 100-percent juice: all sizes, including juice boxes
-- Grains: brown and white rice, oatmeal, bulgur, quinoa, couscous, pasta and
macaroni and cheese
-- Paper products and household items: paper towels, napkins, and cleaning supplies
-- Hygiene items: diapers, deodorants for men and women, feminine products, toilet paper, tissues, soap, toothpaste and shampoo
"I hope the base continues to be enthusiastic about Feds Feed Families' 2 million pound goal," said Curry. "The last pick up is at the end of this month. Let's show them how much we care!"