Holiday Cheer for Children kicks off

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephanie Avery
  • United States Air Force Honor Guard
JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, WASHINGTON --  The Holiday Cheer for Children campaign has kicked off in the National Capital Region at Joint Base Andrews and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

Holiday Cheer for Children is an annual campaign to collect toys and monetary donations for less fortunate families in the NCR.

"The Holiday Cheer for Children program has been one of the best experiences in my life," said Staff Sgt. Michael Bauch, United States Air Force Honor Guard NCO in Charge of operations scheduling. "We're not only providing toys for the families that are struggling through the holidays, were providing joy and hope."

On-site donations will be accepted at the JBAB Base Exchange and JBA Home and Garden Center from Nov. 28 through Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations will be used to establish the Honor Guard Toy Store at the Alexandria, Va. Hampton Inn located at 5821 Richmond Highway.

"After the long days of working and volunteering to collect the toys, the toy store is something you would only see in a movie," said Bauch. "The look on the children's faces when they come to choose a toy, and the gratefulness of the parents in need, truly makes all of our efforts worth it."

The store hours of operation will be open to military families on Dec. 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and to all families Dec. 20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Giving is what the Holiday season is all about and that's exactly what we want to encourage," said Senior Airman Stephanie Avery, United States Air Force Honor Guard commander support staff. "Our Holiday Cheer for Children Program will ensure families who normally have nothing to give during the holiday season the opportunity to do so."

Those looking to contribute monetary donations are welcome to donate directly via their recently launched website, www.holidaycheerforchildren.org, at any time.

Holiday Cheer for Children is a private organization. It is not part of the Department of Defense, or any of its components, and it has no governmental status.