Make the season bright: Grissom holiday angels, food needed Published Nov. 22, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Around the holidays, angel decorations can be seen all around, but this year, some real angels are needed to help some Grissom families. Grissom's Airman and Family Readiness Center is once again looking for volunteers through their annual angel tree, a program that matches up families who may need extra support this year with those wishing to provide that help. "People nominated families or self-nominated their own families, who might have needed a little extra help this year in order for them to have a wonderful Christmas," explained Jill Marconi, Grissom's A&FRC director. Names of the families' 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 information provided. "We ask them for clothing sizes, favorite colors, favorite toys, and things like that," said Marconi, adding that just the children, not the sponsors, are listed on the angel tree and receive individual gifts. Angel gifts are due to the A&FRC by Dec. 7, so that any gaps can be identified. Marconi and her team will then go out that night and buy any last-minute gifts needed. And, while it's certain that many of the children will have a sparkle in their eye as they receive unexpected gifts from their angels, the nominated families as a whole will also have a brighter season as they receive food baskets as part of the program. "It's not just food for the holidays, although there is normally a turkey or ham in each one, but there are non-perishable items so the families can stretch out their (resources) a little longer," explained Marconi. And, according to her, while there has been a tremendous support for the angel tree gifts, the A&FRC is really in need of 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. "If they can't go shopping, I will go shopping 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." "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. Stay connected with Grissom and the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
