Angel Tree Program exemplifies true holiday meaning

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Corey Hook
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Rows of excited children watched and waited for Santa and Mrs. Claus' arrival on a B-1B Lancer float at the Youth and Family Services child care center in Rapid City.

The float was sponsored by the 28th Operations Support Squadron, as part of the "Angel Tree" gift program for the YFS center in Rapid City, S.D. This was the third consecutive year of the event.

"For many of these children the gifts that we provide are the only gifts they will receive this Christmas," said Tech. Sergeant Justin Cooke, 28th Operations Support Squadron unit deployment manager. "It helps to keep them and their families hopeful that better times are coming."

After arriving at the YFS center, Santa, Mrs. Claus and Ellsworth members worked their way from classroom to classroom personally delivering each gift to the children.

"The excitement the children have and seeing how they interact with Santa as they receive their gift is really something great to watch." said Sergeant Cooke.

The "Angel Tree" gift program's goal is to make a difference in the community and enlighten each student during the holiday season.

"We have one child here at YFS that has been here since the first year Ellsworth members came to the base to deliver presents," said Steve Merrill, Youth and Family Services development director. "He has brought the gift he received the first year in everyday since then and is actually here today."

An estimated 160 kids received gifts from the program this year.

"Hats off to the people at Ellsworth Air Force Base to not only continue their mission home and abroad, but also being able to make a difference with so many children throughout the Black Hills," said Steve Merrill. "They really come up big for the community every year."