Donate a dollar

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- A member of the Moody community donates money during the Ring-a-Bell program hosted by the Moody First Sergeant’s Association here Dec. 11. Collected donations will be used to assist needy families at Moody during the holiday season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)

Volunteer service

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Master Sgt. Janice Preston, 23rd Force Support Squadron career development superintendent, volunteers to ring the bell for donations during the Ring-a-Bell program here Dec. 11. The Moody First Sergeant’s Association is hosting the event and the money raised will be given to needy families at Moody. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)

Ring-a-Bell

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Master Sgt. Roger Martinez, 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electronic warfare supervisor, volunteers during the Ring-a-Bell program here Dec. 11. The program consists of volunteers from more than 15 on-base agencies who collect donations at various locations on Moody, including the Base Exchange, Commissary and Shoppette. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)

Ring-a-Bell program provides holiday help for Moody families

Published Dec. 11, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Brigitte Brantley
23rd Wing Public Affairs

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- For the second year, the Moody First Sergeants' Association is hosting a project to help raise money for Moody families in need during the holiday season.

The Ring-a-Bell program is made up of volunteers from more than 15 on-base agencies who collect donations at various locations on Moody, including the Base Exchange, Shoppette and Commissary.

Once the money is collected, it is the first sergeants' responsibility to determine which families should receive a donation. Gift cards are then purchased from a local retailer for the selected families, and the amount for each one depends on the size of the selected family.

"Along with our annual steak sale, the Ring-a-Bell program is one of the biggest fundraisers that helps provide for those Moody Airmen and their families who might otherwise have to do without during the holidays," said Master Sgt. Gary Jacobs, 41st Rescue Squadron first sergeant.

"In the past, we provided families with food baskets but it was determined that by giving them gift cards, they could purchase items that they really needed, such as diapers or formula," he added.

The program was implemented by the FSA in 2008 after it was suggested by a member who had seen its success at other bases.

"Although the FSA is the focal point for this program, it simply would not be possible without the help of all the kind-hearted volunteers," said Sergeant Jacobs. "The Airmen here at Moody are great Wingmen and help each other out like you wouldn't believe."

One of the program volunteers, Staff Sgt. Shangjung Chiu, 23rd Wing analyst, is just one of the Airmen who has given his time to help others out.

"It's the least I can do to donate an hour of my time to help those who are less fortunate," said Sergeant Chiu. "With the money collected during Ring-a-Bell, many individuals are given the opportunity to have a merrier holiday season."

The FSA hopes that the Ring-a-Bell program will become an annual project and keep providing for Moody families.