Angel Tree Program: helping those in need

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Faith McNelley
  • 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron first sergeant
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  In 1992, the Airman and Family Readiness Center and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service personnel recognized the need to support F.E. Warren's military children during the holidays. They instituted the Angel Tree Program, with the theme "Military Taking Care of Military." The First Sergeant's Council now runs this program, with the theme "Adopt-A-Family." This is just one of many ways first sergeants take care of F.E. Warren Airmen. The program is entirely anonymous, and its purpose is to assist families who are in need during the holidays, as well as those families with a parent currently deployed.

Last year, the Angel Tree Program helped 69 families and 134 children, and this year, we expect the need for help to be equal, if not greater. While the need is there, the program cannot work without the help of base personnel. Get over to the Base Exchange, pick a name off the tree, buy a present and make some lucky child a little happier this holiday season.

The "Angel" tree will be located in front of the Base Exchange entrance, with a kick-off ceremony occurring Nov. 25 at 11:30 a.m. The Angel Tree will be on display from Nov. 25 until Dec. 9. Anyone can donate or buy items for each family or child. Information such as children's ages, gender, clothing sizes and special gift requests are provided on the tree to make shopping easier. Donating individuals can take more than one angel off the tree if they wish. All gifts should be unwrapped with the angel attached to them. Donated gifts can be left in the box located next to the Angel Tree and will be delivered to the identified families at the end of the campaign. For more information, call Master Sgt. Faith McNelley, 790th Missile Security Forces first sergeant, at 773-4983.