'Angels' help make holidays brighter

Published Nov. 6, 2014
By Tech. Sgt. Doug Hays
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Lots filled with Christmas trees haven't quite sprung up yet, but one special tree is already being decorated at Grissom - the Angel Tree.

Grissom's Airman and Family Readiness Center is accepting nominations for its annual Angle Tree, a program designed to help Airmen who need a little boost during the holiday season, here recently.

The Grissom Angel Tree Program is designed to assist people who might need a little tender loving care during the holiday season, said Jill Marconi, Grissom's A&FRC director.

Names of children are placed on the tree, and base personnel who volunteer as angels anonymously buy their chosen family's children gifts based on based on the information provided.

Just the children are provided for, not the sponsors, said Marconi.

"Anyone can be nominated," Marconi added. "They can range from young parents just starting out, single parents needing just a boost or even single Airmen that are just getting their feet under them.

"These aren't needy people, just people who could use a little assistance to make their holidays brighter," she added. "We want them to know they are important to us and we appreciate the work they do here."

When nominating someone the A&FRC staff gather information such as clothing sizes, favorite colors, favorite toys, etc. all to help make their Christmas more wonderful.

Angel gifts are due to the A&FRC Dec. 6, so that any gaps can be identified. Marconi and her team will then go out and purchase any last-minute gifts needed.

"If they can't go shopping, I will go shopping for them if they just want to donate money," said Marconi. "We just need to make sure we have the exact same number of gift baskets as we have families.

"We received a very nice donation from the Grissom Community Council to help us get the ball rolling," she added.

The gifts are paired with food baskets as well, and the A&FRC needs non-perishable items for those food baskets.

Those wishing to donate food can drop off items at food collection bins around base or can bring them directly to the A&FRC.

"In 2013 we had 55 families that were nominated, and about 150 children had a brighter Christmas thanks to our angels," she said. "Grissom is a giving base, and the more that's given, the more we will be able to bless these families; it's a wonderful thing to do."

For more information on how to help, contact Jill Marconi at (765) 688-4812.

Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, as well as three Army Reserve units and a Marine Corps communication detachment.

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'Angels' help make holidays brighter

Public Affairs Staff