Angel Tree gives back to Moody Families

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Olivia Bumpers
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The holiday season is finally here and the Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) is hosting the annual Angel Tree Project here at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

The Angel Tree Project was established at Moody in the early '90s to support Air Force families in need of financial assistance by purchasing gifts for their children during the holiday season. . The A&FRC will be collecting gifts now through Dec. 14.

"We offer this program once a year for individuals stationed at Moody Air Force Base, including those in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve or any civilian affiliated with the military that might need financial help and cannot provide enough for their kids for Christmas," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Latonga Jelks, 23d Force Support Squadron NCO in charge of readiness.

Last year, the Angel Tree Project collected gifts for approximately 150 children. This year, the A&FRC is collecting gifts for more than 200 children.

"People outside of the military don't realize that people in the military also go through financial struggles," said Jelks. "We don't always know who is financially stable, so this program is a way to help out our fellow wingmen."

The A&FRC works with squadron first sergeants to refer those who need financial support and they account for every family.

"Working with the first sergeants makes it easier because they know who in their unit needs a little assistance," she added. "They provide us the list of people to put on the Angel Tree."

As soon as the names of the families were received, members of the A&FRC set up a tree decorated with angel ornaments. Attached to the ornaments are the ages of the children in each family who will receive gifts as part of the program.

"Our goal of the program is to reach as many families as possible," said Senior Master Sgt. Donald Howard, 23d Force Support Squadron superintendent. "This program is a way for Moody members to take care of Moody families."

To participate in the Angel Tree Project, visit the A&FRC or contact them at 229-257-3333.