10th Annual Eglin Toy Drive

Kaytlan Shanno searches for the perfect gifts for her three children at the 10th annual toy drive hosted by the Airman’s Attic at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 22. More than 11,000 toys were donated for the drive, helping more than 300 families in the Eglin community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sara Vidoni)

10th Annual Eglin Toy Drive

Master Sgt. Yvette Hughes-Mayo, of the 96th Maintenance Squadron, assists Staff Sgt. Ashawntee Worley, of the 96th Force Support Squadron, pick out a toy at the 10th annual toy drive held at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 22. More than 11,000 toys were donated to the Airman’s Attic, helping more than 300 families in the Eglin community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sara Vidoni)

10th Annual Eglin Toy Drive

Tech Sgt. Urayoan Rodriguez, of the 33rd Maintenance Squadron, picks out toys for his children alongside his wife, Jenny, at the 10th annual toy drive hosted by the Airman’s Attic at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 22. More than 11,000 toys were donated for the drive, helping more than 300 families in the Eglin community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sara Vidoni)

Toy drive delivers Christmas cheer to Eglin families

Published Nov. 25, 2013
By Sara Vidoni
Team Eglin Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Just in time for Thanksgiving, Eglin families gobbled up thousands of donated Christmas gifts for their children at the 10th annual toy drive Nov. 22 and 23 here.

Volunteers at the Airman's Attic worked diligently all year collecting more than 11,500 donated presents for this year's toy drive, their biggest yet. During the two days of distribution, approximately 300 Eglin families with members up to the grade of E-6, rummaged through piles of toys that included games, dolls, cars, bikes and more.

"We host this toy drive every year because we know the excitement that will appear on the children's faces Christmas morning," said Bob White, an Airman's Attic volunteer veteran. "We know we are making a difference for these families and lessening the financial burden that can come with the holiday season."

This year, the Team Eglin First Sergeants Council took a larger role in participating in the event and providing logistical support.

"Taking care of Eglin families is our priority, and we want to help as much as possible," said Master Sgt. Freda Dey, an Eglin First Sergeant's volunteer from the 96th Force Support Squadron. "It was important for the first shirts to make sure we provide a positive experience and Christmas for our people."

More than 500 children will receive shiny, new toys this holiday season.

"This toy drive means we can give our kids a great Christmas," said Kaytlan Shanno, whose husband is an Airman with the 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "With three kids, we could not do it all alone."

It took hundreds of volunteers to make this day possible. More than 500 service members from the Army and Air Force detachments of the Explosive Ordnance School helped deliver the toys to the drive location on Nov. 13 and 15. Many more people came out to help set up and organize the event.

"We had lots of volunteers who benefitted from the toy drive in the past and wanted to give back in thanks," said Dey. "The amount of support that is received to put this on is amazing."

At the close of the toy drive, the Airman's Attic immediately begins the process of collecting toys for the next year.

"We take donations all year so that we can host this toy drive before the Thanksgiving holiday," said White, a retired Air Force chief master sergeant. "It's important to us that Eglin families can go into the holiday season with excitement and treasure the look on their children's faces when they open their gifts."

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