COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Team BLAZE members wrapped nearly 400 presents Dec. 14 at the Columbus Club here and sent them to hundreds of children from eight schools in the local area during the annual Happy Fund Shop and Wrap.
The presents were sent to local schools in Columbus, Mississippi, and the Lowndes County area, and teachers at the schools gave designated children the presents.
George "Happy" Irby started the Happy Fund Shop and Wrap in 1958 with tip money he earned working in the Columbus Officer’s Club.
“Happy” Irby was a man who was selfless and we are honored to continue this tradition, said Beth Gosney, who helped organize this year’s event and is the wife of Col. Douglas Gosney, 14th Flying Training Wing Commander.
Presents are bought with donations from the Happy Irby Fund and donations have grown for the past 50 years, allowing more gifts to be given each year. Nearly $14,000 was spent on this year’s gifts.
“I saw the email and thought it’d be a great volunteer opportunity and a way to give back during the holidays,” said Airman 1st Class Melanie Fisher, 14th Force Support Squadron customer support apprentice.