Airmen assist in spreading holiday cheer

  • Published
  • By Steven J. Merrill
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen from the 28th Operations Group teamed up with a pair of special visitors to the Black Hills, Dec. 16 to ensure a joyous holiday season for children enrolled in the Youth & Family Services (YFS) Child Care program.

Arriving aboard the base's Parade of Lights float, Santa and Mrs. Claus were greeted with cheers, "oohs" and "ahs" of excited children. About 30 volunteers from the base assisted in delivering toys as part of the 28th OG Angel Tree Program.

"Our goal is to make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community," said Col. William Eldridge, 28th OG commander. "It's a great way for our Airmen to share the spirit of the holidays with families in the community that we live and work in, and who support us in all we do."

This is the fourth year the 28th OG has conducted the Angel Tree program. Airmen from the 28th OG set up a special Christmas tree at various locations and OG activities that had several "angel wings" attached to it. Each set of wings - which included the name, age and room name of a child in the YFS Child Care program in Rapid City, S.D. - represented a gift. Airmen had the option to take a set of wings and purchase a gift for a child.

Airmen and their families from the 28th OG, 28th Operations Support Squadron, 34th Bomb Squadron, 37th Bomb Squadron, and the 28th Security Forces Squadron Condor Flight purchased gifts, and also helped Santa and Mrs. Claus deliver them to each child.

"This year we delivered 170 gifts," said Tech. Sgt. Andriea Cook, 28th OSS chief host aviation resource management office, who oversaw the Angel Tree program. "It was great to see their faces light up and hear the excitement in their voices when Santa called out each name and handed them their gifts."

Ann Rau, a YFS Child Care teacher, said that for many of the children, these are the only gifts they will receive this year.

"Many of the children are from families struggling to make ends meet and can't afford to buy presents," Mrs. Rau added. "It can be very stressful, especially for young moms and dads, trying hard to provide for their families. The gifts the kids received really helped make the holidays a happier time."

YFS is the largest human services organization of its kind in western South Dakota, providing comprehensive services to more than 11,000 children, up to age 18, and their families through seven programs under the YFS umbrella. The majority of the families are considered to be low-income.

"We are so happy to be able to give back to our community this holiday season, and plan to continue the tradition for years to come," Colonel Eldridge said.