Angel Tree delivers delight to those in need

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Trevor Zakrzewski
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
With the help of Team Buckley members, the 2012 Angel Tree program contributed to holiday cheer for 131 families that signed up for the program at Buckley Air Force Base.

Organized by Buckley's first sergeants and the Buckley Spouses Group, the Angel Tree is a program designed to provide gifts to families in need.

"It was our best year yet," said Kari Laudenslager, coordinator for the Buckley Spouses Group, adding that 280 children will receive gifts because of the effort.

Names were recommended for the tree by unit first sergeants, family child care providers and the base chapel from mid-November to Dec. 7.

Laudenslager said the turnout would not have been possible without the help of the organization Homefront Heroes and Parker United Church of Christ.

Children selected for the program provided their names, ages, and toy preferences or clothing styles. That information was written on a cutout of an angel forĀ hanging on the Angel TreeĀ and patrons of the base exchange purchased gifts based off the selected angel. Those who donated were able to individually tailor their gift choices, which included anything from toys, video games and gift cards to clothes, groceries and toiletries.

As a result of the Angel Tree, dozens of families who would otherwise be celebrating sparsely were able to experience the spirit of community giving.

"A lot of things in life are unexpected, including babies and Angel Tree gifts," said Airman First Class Riley Johnson, 460th Space Wing Public Affairs photojournalist. "We would like to give a special thanks to those who donated."