Ellsworth Airmen help to spread holiday cheer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Anticipation and excitement permeated throughout the atmosphere surrounding the Youth and Family Services Center in Rapid City, S.D., Dec. 18, 2012, where children gathered to await the arrival of Santa Claus.

As part of the 28th Operations Group Angel Tree Program, 30 volunteer Airmen assisted Santa Claus in collecting and distributing over 200 donated gifts to children enrolled in the Youth and Family Services (YFS) Child Care program this holiday season.

"This is a really great day," said Col. John Nichols, 28th OG commander. "This is a chance for Airmen of Ellsworth Air Force Base to give back to children, and show our thanks for all the support community gives us."

This is the sixth year the 28th OG has conducted the program, and Ellsworth Airmen look forward to keeping the tradition alive.

"This year we had 200 gifts that we were able to donate, which is awesome." said Master Sgt. Andriea Cook, 28th OSS host aviation resource management office superintendent. "We take great pride in helping make the holidays a little more enjoyable for children and families in our community."

The Youth and Family Services is the largest human services organization of its kind in western South Dakota, providing services to more than 11,000 children, ages 0 - 18 years old, and their families through the seven programs run under the YFS. The Angel Tree program is one of a number of base activities which not only provide gifts to children, but also strengthens the relationship between Ellsworth, Rapid City, and its surrounding communities.

"It's a rewarding experience," said Senior Airman Nery Bolano, 34th Bomb Squadron aviation resource management journeyman. "It feels good to see their smiling faces, and I especially love it when you hear one of the children say, 'this is what I wanted'."