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Angel Tree adorns BX lobby

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Lauren Johnson
  • 1st SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The holiday season marks a time for joy, celebration, and for many at Hurlburt, a time to remember those in need. 

With the waning economy, 1st Lt. Kristen Granger believes now, more than ever, it's important to reach out to the less fortunate members of our community. 

"It's always important, but especially now with the economy the way it is," said Lieutenant Granger . 

Lieutenant Granger is part of the Company Grade Officer's Council, which is hosting the annual Angel Tree program in the Base Exchange lobby now until Dec. 12. 

Angel Tree is designed to help ensure every Hurlburt child has a happy holiday season by serving as a collection point for donated gifts. The tree is trimmed with tags listing children's ages, genders, holiday wish lists, and instructions for donating. 

"It's kind of like adopting a kid for Christmas," said Senior Master Sgt. J.D. Lisenby, Air Force Special Operations Command, before taking a tag from the tree. 

The project is open to any Team Hurlburt families. It is sponsored by squadron first sergeants, who identify military, civilian and contractor families in need, and collect names and wish list items for the children. 

"They have the pulse of what families really need," said 1st Lt. Adam Fossum, CGOC member. 

Contributors can help give families what they need by taking a tag, purchasing gifts on the child's wish list and returning them unwrapped to the collection area by the tree. Monetary donations and wrapping supplies are also accepted.
 
"I think it's always cool to see trees in shopping centers," said Lieutenant Fossum , "but when it's tailored to military families it's even more special." 

Don Honaker, whose organization recently donated $700, agreed. 

"We take donations every year for a good cause," said Mr. Honaker . "This year, we wanted to give something to military families and this sounded like a good thing to do." 

Despite the outpouring of support they've seen, the CGOC said more help is still needed to provide for all the children. 

"Probably a little less than half the tags are still out there," said Lieutenant Granger . 

"We want to make it as good a Christmas as we can for as many as we can," added Lieutenant Fossum. 

For more information, contact Lt. Kristen Granger at 881-4806, or Lt. Adam Fossum at 884-9557.