Adopt-a-Family program supports local children, families during holiday season

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  A base outreach program sponsored by the Chapel here will provide more than 60 underprivileged children and families who live in the local community with some cheer during this holiday season.

For the past 30 years Moody has participated in an Adopt-a-Family program by providing local area children and families with donated gifts that include household items, food, clothing and toys to help brighten up their holidays.

"More than 500 families applied for the program," said Anna Broaden, 23rd Wing Chaplain's secretary and program manager of this year's program. "We ended up selecting 32 families and 30 children based upon their needs."

In 2007, Moody members adopted 62 families and a total of 229 children. More than $40,000 in gifts were purchased and donated for the program.

"There are many less fortunate families out there," said Mrs. Broaden. "This is a great way for us to get out there and help them."

For some Moody squadrons, the program has long been a tradition during their holiday season.

The 23rd Maintenance Operations Squadron has participated in this program for more than 11 years, said Senior Master Sgt. Roland Talerico, 23rd MOS superintendent. This year they are sponsoring six children and two families, one for each flight in the squadron.

"When we think about the Moody community, it includes so much more than the base," he added. "This is just another way to show our appreciation to the surrounding areas that support us."

Sergeant Talerico pointed out that in the past, his favorite present to give has been gift cards purchased from local grocery stores.

"Knowing that these families have a refrigerator full of food really gives me a sense of well-being," he said. "There's nothing better than having a full belly during the holiday season."

Collection days for Adopt-a-Family items are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 15-18 at the Chapel.

Although all of the children and families have been adopted for this year's program, Airmen may still participate during the collection times as volunteers who wrap and sort gifts, and prepare them for pick up on Dec. 18.

For information on volunteering, contact Mrs. Broaden at the Chapel at 257-3211.

"We (23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron) tried to volunteer for the Adopt-a-Family program, but all of the children and families were already taken," said Staff Sgt. Carrie Parmenter, a member of the 23rd LRS and volunteer gift wrapper. "By gift wrapping, we're still involved in the program.

"I love to wrap gifts," she added, "and I'm pretty good at it, if I may say so myself."

In the end, the base comes together and provides as many families as it can with a holiday season to remember, said Mrs. Broaden.