Angels needed to help brighten children's Christmas'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  For every child on the base Christmas does not mean a stocking full of treats and toys and a bunch of boxes under the Christmas tree.

The Company Grade Officer Council is working to help bring Christmas to these children through the Angel Tree Program.

"The Angel Tree was started to help out our own Seymour Johnson families during the Christmas season," said 1st Lt. Michelle Luttrell, an Angel Tree Program representative. "There are a lot of families with young Airmen and a single income, and those with family members who are deployed this Christmas. For those families we want to help make Christmas special."

Families who are struggling to make ends meet can register their children for the program through their first sergeant. The program is only open children in the Seymour Johnson community, to include the children of civilians and contractors who work on base.

"The Angel Tree is a great program," said Master Sgt. Joe Cason, 4th Maintenance Operations Squadron first sergeant. "The immediate benefit is that a child who might have gone without a Christmas present this year, will instead be able to avoid that disappointment. This is beneficial to the parents as well, since no parent would want to see that hurt or disappointment on the face of their child Christmas morning. Not only does alleviate some worries for the parents of the children who have been registered, but it actually provides a teaching opportunity. Parents whose children benefit from the tree, will be able to teach their children that when possible, you should help those less fortunate than yourself."

Registration for the confidential program ends Dec. 8.

"If your home bills are piling up and you aren't sure how you'll pay for Christmas gifts, we can help," Lieutenant Luttrell said.

Those who want to help can select an angel from the tree which contains basic information about child including their age, sizes and Christmas wish list. Unwrapped gifts purchased for the Angel Tree program should have the angel taped to it and placed in the collection box located at the Base Exchange entrance by 4:30 p.m. Dec. 17.

"This is an easy way to help our own people and show them how much we care," Lieutenant Luttrell said. "It's as simple as going to the BX, buying a gift and dropping it in the gift collection box. No wrapping required."

For more information about registering for the Angel Tree Program contact your unit first sergeant. For information about the program, call Lieutenant Luttrell at 722-1509.