EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The base chapel's annual Angel Tree program kicked off Nov. 7 with trees on full display in several locations here.

"For over 10 years, the Eglin Chapel has been able to bring Christmas to the families of Eglin military personnel in need of a little assistance, said Susan Huberty, the Eglin pastoral coordinator.  "Without the generous support from the community, many children would not experience the full joy of the Christmas season.   It is an honor to be able to lighten the burden of those struggling with the challenges that come with the military lifestyle."  

The Angel Tree program has been at Eglin since 2004 and has provided presents to more than 1,800 children.

Paper angels and doves are hung on Christmas trees around the base with clothing and toy requests from children of Eglin personnel deemed the most in need by Family Advocacy, the Airman and Family Readiness Center and first sergeants.  Anyone wanting to help in the Angel Tree program can pick up the angel/dove request and purchase the gift.  Age, gender and size information is included on the Angel/Dove request.  The gifts are wrapped and provided back to the chapels by Dec. 8.

Volunteers will then sort and distribute the gifts before Christmas.

"Angel Tree" trees can be found at:
All base chapel locations
53rd Wing headquarters building 351.
96th Maintenance Group building 100

"The Angel Tree program allows us to thank our airman for their sacrifices, and this program gives us that opportunity, said Huberty.  "Volunteers, and those who donate gifts, make this wonderful program successful each year.   It is a privilege to contribute to the Angel Tree and brighten the holidays for the children of the airmen who give us so much."