Cold weather, warm hearts: First Sergeants’ Council helps Airmen in need

Members of the First Sergeants’ Council stand in front of the Commissary at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., on Nov. 4, 2016. For two weeks, first sergeants took turns ringing a bell in front of the Commissary and accepting donations for Operation Warm Heart, a non-profit program designed to help Airmen in need by providing them Commissary gift cards in time for Thanksgiving.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Denise M. Jenson)

Cold weather, warm hearts: First Sergeants’ Council helps Airmen in need

From the donations collected, Master Sgt. Toni Stokes, 28th Comptroller Squadron and Bomb Wing Staff first sergeant, writes a check out inside the Commissary at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., on Nov. 8, 2016. As part of Operation Warm Heart, the $2,500.00 check purchased 100 $25 gift cards that the First Sergeants’ Council will give to Airmen in need during the holiday season.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Randahl J. Jenson)

Cold weather, warm hearts: First Sergeants’ Council helps Airmen in need

Sarah Croston, a cashier at the Commissary, swipes a gift card at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., on Nov. 8, 2016. Croston, who has assisted the First Sergeant’s Council with Operation Warm Heart for the last four years, helped the First Sergeants’ Council purchase $2,500.00 worth of Commissary gift cards that they will later give to Airmen in need. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Randahl J. Jenson)

Cold weather, warm hearts: First Sergeants’ Council helps Airmen in need

Master Sgt. Toni Stokes, 28th Comptroller Squadron and Bomb Wing Staff first sergeant, gives Sarah Croston, a cashier at the Commissary, a check purchasing $2,500.00 worth of Commissary Gift Cards at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., on Nov. 8, 2016. With donated funds collected by The First Sergeants’ Council, 100 Commissary gift cards were purchased for Operation Warm Heart, a yearly program designed to assist Airmen in need during the holiday season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Randahl J. Jenson)

Cold weather, warm hearts: First Sergeants’ Council helps Airmen in need

Published Nov. 10, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Randahl J. Jenson
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --

Every year, right before the holiday season, the First Sergeants’ Council executes Operation Warm Heart.

Braving the seasonally warm weather, first sergeants stood in front of the Commissary from Oct. 12 to Nov. 2, collecting donations for the program that helps Airmen and their families in need.

“Operation Warm Heart operates completely on donations,” said Master Sgt. Toni Stokes, 28th Comptroller Squadron and Bomb Wing Staff first sergeant. “During the holidays, we help families that might have a hard time getting a Thanksgiving dinner together. We give gift cards and help with toy drives around Christmas to make sure everybody gets something.”

Last year, the program assisted 173 people, spending $8,354.54 on food, toys and gift cards.

In the past, Operation Warm Heart volunteers created food baskets to give to Airmen and their families. This year, to better support those who might have food allergies, gifts will completely consist of Commissary gift cards.

“We used to do food baskets, but we decided that gift cards would be better,” said Stokes, the chairman for the operation. “That way, people can get food that they can actually eat.”

Currently, the First Sergeants’ Council has purchased $2,500 worth of Commissary gift cards.

“It’s nice to know that so many people care about the Airmen and are willing to donate,” said Master Sgt. Paul Lanoue, 28th Force Support Squadron first sergeant. “It’s a wonderful program and a great way to give back to the Airmen.”

According to Stokes, Operation Warm Heart is more about helping Team Ellsworth than it is about reaching a goal.

“It’s really about who needs what,” she said. “It’s not a goal that we set. We assess where the need is, and how we can help. That’s what we look for.”

For those who wish to donate, there is drop box inside the entrance of the commissary year-round for monetary donations on behalf of Operation Warm Heart.

For more information on Operation Warm Heart, Airmen can contact their first sergeant, or Stokes at (605) 385-1553 or toni.stokes@us.af.mil.