Project Angel Tree spreading holiday spirit

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Chapman
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
‘Tis the season for giving, and the Project Angel Tree is proof of that.

The First Sergeant’s Council sponsored the Angel Tree within the Base Exchange, and this year the generosity of Goodfellow’s members shined extra bright. Last year donations were more than $300, but this year the tree generated more than $1,000.

“There has been a huge increase this year compared to last,” said Base Exchange Cashier Supervisor, Chris Huber. “It went from over $300 last year to over a grand this year, and they just keep giving. It helps give the kids an extra bit of love. Just because mom or dad aren’t here because of a deployment, there are still people here who love and care about you. All of this shows that people do care.”

Those who chose to spread the holiday spirit were able to pick from one of the multiple angels, each with a different dollar amount, and purchase a gift card of matching amount. On Christmas Eve, the gift cards will be given out to the Goodfellow families.

“This program means a lot to me,” said Huber. “When my family needed help the first sergeants were there to help, and it showed me that they do love and care for their military. Now it is my turn to give back and help all the other needy families.”

Retirees have been the largest supporters, although anyone was able to give.

“Our retirees are a huge portion of who give to the tree,” said Huber. “Our retirees are awesome. I just had one the other day give $100 and she does it every year. The retirees are so awesome to our military, and that is why our base is lucky to have them. I always tell them thank you for taking care of our families and the kids with their moms and dads deployed. God bless them, and we couldn’t do it without them. So I always make sure that I thank everyone who gives.”

The First Sergeant’s Council and Base Exchange put up the Project Angel Tree to make sure that those who may not feel the love and holiday spirit are shown that they are not alone.

“The tree is important to us, we made sure to get the tree out for the Goodfellow families as soon as possible,” said Base Exchange Main Store Manager, Lisa Piper. “The purpose of the tree is to give back to Goodfellow families that may be separated due to deployments and also those who are just in need.”