ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Angels from Team Andrews have been busy buying presents for the youngest members of our extended military family for the annual Angel Tree program.
"The Angel Tree is a program where the base community collects gifts for children of families who may be experiencing difficulties during the Christmas holiday season," said Master Sgt. Andrew Denham, 99th Airlift Squadron first sergeant and Andrews First Sergeant Council president,. "The Andrews First Sergeant's Council and the Andrews Officers' Spouses' Club are spearheading the efforts this year. The Angel Tree program benefits the entire Andrews community."
"The Angel Tree program is important to the Andrews community because it allows us to be able to ensure our Airmen and their children are given a nice Christmas," said Sergeant Denham.
"This year more than ever, when every family is faced with the difficulty of the current economic climate, we want to ensure that our families know they're part of a larger Andrews community that cares," said Helen Shepro, AOSC honorary president and wife of Col. Steven Shepro, 316 Wing commander. "Although the Angel Tree project is lead by the First Sergeant's Council, it's also supported by the AOSC, volunteers from our retiree community, our homeschoolers, the ladies of the ESC and so many others who care so much."
Michele Shope, AOSC Angel Tree coordinator and wife of Col. Steve Shope, 89th Airlift Wing vice commander, said, "Our Air Force families give so much to this country. It is nice to be able to give back to them and let them know how much we appreciate their dedication and sacrifice to this country."
All members of the Team Andrews community are encouraged to participate in the annual event and interested volunteers need only select a gift request from the Angel Tree found at the Home Traditions store here or at the Base Exchange. "This is a base-wide effort. We hope that everyone able to do so will pick up an ornament and donate a gift," said Mrs. Shepro. An estimated 250 to 300 children up to the age of 16 will be helped through the Angel Tree program; most of the requests are for toys and clothing, said Sergeant Denham.
Volunteers interested in gift-wrapping for the Angel Tree program can come Dec. 15 to the Airman and Family Readiness Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are invited to participate for any length of time.
Angel Trees can be found at Home Traditions and the Base Exchange starting today through Dec. 10.