BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
The yearly canned food drive sponsored by the Reservists of the 940th Air Refueling Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., was a success again for 2007.
According to Chief Master Sgt. Mary Chaipelli, superintendent of the 940th Mission Support Flight, the combined efforts of the 940th Family Support and Chaplain's office organizes the drive, which the 940th ARW has run since relocating from McClellan AFB in 1998.
During their tenancy at McClellan, the unit participated in Operation Santa Claus with the base Family Support Center.
"When we arrived at Beale, the base didn't have any programs or a food bank," said the Chief. "That is what inspired the 940th to begin our drive. We set a trend that has benefited not only our wing but the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, too."
All of the squadrons assigned under the 940th ARW participated in the drive this year, with a friendly competition to see which one could donate the most goods to capture and hold a trophy for the year.
The 940th Logistics Readiness Squadron was the winner with not only the most food but the most original display.
"The competition is friendly in nature, used to encourage the giving," said Chief Chiapelli. "Everyone gets into the spirit of it."
The goal is to help 940th families. At least 13 baskets of canned and dry foods were made up, supplemented with hams and turkeys, to provide holiday celebrations for wing Reservists. The remaining food was donated to the 9th RW Airman's Attic on base.
"It felt really good to donate to our military families, whether they are Reservists or active duty," said the Chief. "One of the volunteers at the Airman's Attic said the donation was at the perfect time."
The Airman's Attic services about 400 families a month who need assistance, said Chief Chiapelli. They were quite appreciative of the donation from the 940th, as their pantry had been depleted.
The Chief said that 2007 had been one of the best years yet for the food drive.
"Everyone in the wing made a tremendous effort, but I need to especially thank the 940th Maintenance Squadron and the 940th Operations Group, as they have always been huge supporters of this program," she said.
"We look forward to the challenge of making next year bigger and better, as the 940th transitions with the merging and changing missions."