Thousands of toys to put smiles of children's faces

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh and Staff Sgt. Mike Meares
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Airman's Attic turned into a winter wonderland Nov. 29 to make Christmas morning special for Team Eglin families.

Piles of toys, baby dolls, puzzles, games and stuffed animals were neatly arranged, just waiting for a family to take them home. Parents up to the rank of staff sergeant, or E-5 for the other branches of service, were able to take advantage of the generosity and select up to five special toys for each of their children.

"I love the (Airman's) Attic itself for what it stands for," said Lani Smith, a military spouse and volunteer at the attic for the past three years. "It provides a means for others in need. It makes a big impact on the community."

According to Lisa Splinter, a community readiness technician with the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the AFRC submitted a request to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation on behalf of the First Sergeants Council. The goal was to have enough toys for the families.

"There's really a need here," Ms. Splinter said. "If we didn't have this program, there are children who would go without (for Christmas)."

During the event, 299 children will get 1,495 toys this Christmas. The toys on display were from last year's Toys for Tots, after the Marines made their initial distribution. This year's distribution was earlier than the past two years of the program. Ms. Splinter and Airman's Attic volunteers Bob White and Jim Cassel hope to have another distribution closer to Christmas if there's still a need.

"Because it was so late and close to Christmas last year, many families spent their money on toys," Ms. Splinter said. "Helping them earlier in the season gives them a chance to spend their money on their bills instead."

First sergeants were able to come in early before the doors opened to the parents. They could select toys for their personnel who might hesitate to use the program.

"People overcome that anxiety and fear when they realize that it's people helping people," said Bob White an Airman's Attic volunteer. "That's the name of the game."

Programs throughout the year help first sergeants determine who in their unit might have financial or pay problems. This is their tool for gauging how their people are doing and who legitimately needs the help.

"It's a little more stressful around the holidays," said Master Sgt. Michael Bullock, 46th Maintenance Operations Squadron first sergeant. "We do a lot of different things throughout the year. Our main concern is our people."

Last year, the same Toys-for-Tots distribution at the Airman's Attic handed out 2,265 toys to 376 customers. On Christmas morning, 473 children opened gifts donated to their families for the holidays.

Volunteers worked feverishly replenishing the tables as wave upon wave of parents picked through the toys to meet their children's personalities. Spouses, retirees and students at the Navy School Explosive Ordnance Disposal made sure every parent had the opportunity to get quality toys for their children.

Mr. White anticipates more than 600 children will open more than 4,000 gifts on Christmas morning this year. The Airman's Attic is planning another toy distribution for the middle of December.