Toy donations make Christmas smiles

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The spirit of giving for the upcoming Christmas holidays was given a jolly boost Dec. 2 at the Airman's Attic as it was transformed into Santa's workshop. 

Volunteers became Santa's little elves and helped to organize more than 2,400 toys for the annual Toys-for-Tots distribution as parents rummaged through piles of toys, puzzles, games and baby dolls to find the perfect gift to match their child's personality. Parents up to the rank of staff sergeant, or E-5 got the opportunity to select up to five toys for each of their children. 

"The toys donated from the many individuals and organizations made for a great turn out this year," said Tiana Brown, military spouse and volunteer at the Airman's Attic for four years. "Not one family was turned away." 

Last year, the same Toys-for-Tots distribution at the Airman's Attic handed out 1,495 toys. On Christmas morning, 299 children opened gifts donated to their families for the holidays. During this year's event, 412 children received the donated toys, approximately 1,000 more toys than last year. 

"As a parent, you want to give your child the best Christmas, because they deserve it," Ms. Brown said. "In my opinion this is one of the most important events hosted at Eglin because it provides the opportunity to give children a better Christmas." 

This annual event helps to alleviate some of the financial burden that many parents are enduring this holiday season in the wake of a growing financial concern for the U.S. 

"The event this year was an absolute success," said Master Sgt. Eric Heiple, 53rd Electronic Warfare Group first sergeant. "It was well thought out and all the volunteers came together and made the whole day run smoothly." 

About 40 volunteers from across Team Eglin assisted families with toy selections for their children and helped keep traffic under control. Parents who brought their children with them were able to keep the Christmas spirit alive while searching for the perfect gift. Volunteers helped to watch the children so the surprise wouldn't get spoiled. 

"As always, this would not have been possible without the volunteers, they worked hard to make sure that everyone got what they needed," said Ms. Brown, a volunteer who spearheaded the event. "When you can help give a child a better Christmas, you also get to accomplish the dream that Christmas is truly a special time of the year where anything is possible." 

The Airman's Attic can be reached at 882-3616, Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

"These are some hard times, and many people are feeling the pressure of the economy, however when a child is involved, we have to realize that they are innocent of the times and should get the chance to have a beautiful Christmas," Ms. Brown said.