Toys for Tots brings joy to children

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jason Powell
  • 48th Flying Training Squadron
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign has reached Columbus Air Force Base. What does that mean to us?

For me, the holiday season means warm food and family, unwrapping presents around the Christmas tree early Christmas morning. These are still some of my happiest memories that I am trying to pass on to my own children. Of course, we are in tough times and not all parents can afford to pass these wonderful memories on to their children. Believe it or not, some of these people work with you and me on base.

Last year, Charles Adkins, the Toys for Tots district coordinator, collected more than 1,000 toys. He distributed all of these toys to children right here in the Golden Triangle. Thirty-three families on base received toys specially wrapped by Mr. Adkins and his volunteers. This organization helped those less fortunate have a little better holiday. Those families were able to help pass on this great tradition and build those wonderful memories. They owe thanks to not only the volunteers, but to those who donated new, unwrapped toys all over the Golden Triangle.

What can you do to help make a child's Christmas a little better? You can drop off a new, unwrapped toy at one of the drop-off points on base - Base Exchange, 14th Operations Group lobby, 14th Operations Support Squadron lobby, and the Personnel Building lobby - that are already out until Dec. 17. Or, you can stop by the 48th Flying Training Squadron Booster Club's Toys for Tots Burger Burn. They will accept donations or toys for burgers, chips and a drink on Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There are many opportunities around base to help support the local community through-out the holidays. We hope that you help make a child's warm memory of the holidays a little better through Toys for Tots.

If you need help making your Christmas a little better, then contact your first sergeant or go to the Toys for Tots website for more information.