BEALE AFB, Calif. –
With the official start of the holiday season, the 940th Wing Airman Family Readiness Office hopes Reservists will remember to take an angel or two along as they hit the bustling malls and crowded stores with their holiday shopping list.
The 940th Wing has kicked off its annual Holiday Toy Run and Canned Food Drive for Charity. Reservists can stop by their orderly rooms to pick up a paper angel requesting an age-specific gift for a child. Gifts, as well as canned goods and dry food donations, can be brought to any 940 WG orderly room or the Airman Family Readiness Office in the wing headquarters building over the next couple of weeks.
"We are hoping to provide nearly 30 families in the 940th with Christmas dinner and gifts for their children," said event coordinator, Tech. Sgt. Laurie Pieper. "This is a very difficult time of year for some families, and we're counting on the generosity of the 940th Airmen to be able to help those in need."
Food collected during the drive will also be distributed to the Beale Airmen's Attic, who traditionally helps out 500-600 Airmen during the holiday season, according to Tech. Sgt. Pieper.
Children's gifts will also be donated to two local schools in the Wheatland area and a teen shelter in Placer County. "This year, we're asking for children's gifts for ages 0-18. We're hoping 940th members will help fill the needs of several charities this holiday season," Tech. Sgt. Pieper said.
Aside from the annual holiday drive for charity, the 940th Airman Family Readiness Office is continuing to accept donations of gently used women and children's clothing for residents at an abused and battered women's center in Yuba City.
"Charitable contributions are needed any time of year, but particularly during the holidays," said Tech. Sgt. Pieper, "There are so many families who are struggling right now. It's nice to be able to provide some help."