BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
Despite tough economic times, donations to the 2009 Angel Tree Project rolled in by the truckload, Sunday, Dec 6, as 940th Wing units delivered boxes of canned goods and toys to the Airmen and Family Readiness Office. By the end of the day, nearly 30 holiday food baskets and wrapped toys had been distributed through First Sergeants to 940th Wing families in need, according to Tech. Sgt. Laurie Pieper, Airmen and Family Readiness technician and project coordinator.
"Charity really does begin at home," said Carolyn Amundson, manager of the Beale Airman's Attic. "Everybody's feeling the pinch, but you (940th Wing Reservists) were still able to help each other out, with enough left over to contribute to the Attic and the surrounding community. I'm so impressed and grateful for your generosity."
The Beale Airman's Attic received 513 non-perishable food items from the 940th Wing. Amundson said the donation will go a long way in helping the organization provide for the nearly 600 Beale Airmen and family members who visit the Attic each month. Additional Angel Tree donations, over $300 in clothing and bags of stuffed animals, were delivered to two local elementary schools.
"School personnel were very appreciative of the items," said Sgt. Pieper, adding "It may be the only Christmas some of those children get."
According to Sgt. Pieper, donations of items for teens will be taken to the Placer County Crisis Resolution Center, and toys are being donated to the Military Children's Santa Christmas Party, Dec.19 in Roseville.
"Every donation has gone to a very worthy cause," said Sgt. Pieper, "This year's toy run and canned food drive was a resounding success, thanks to the giving hearts of the members of this wing."