Reserve Airmen give year-round

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Donna T. Jeffries
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Giving is a key theme many embrace during the holiday season. Reserve Airmen here are no exception; however, their giving nature is evidenced throughout the year.

As part of a Freedom Wing community outreach program, unit members give their time, talents and resources to numerous civilian nonprofit organizations and causes yearlong.
Choosen 300 Ministries Inc., in Philadelphia is one location where Airmen regularly help feed the homeless and bring clothing donations. Another beneficiary is the Children's Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J., whose young patients were recent recipients of a pajama and sweat pants drive. And yet another cause is the Trenton Salvation Army holiday efforts in which Airmen give more than 200 hours annually picking up, packaging and distributing food and Christmas toys for families in need.

"I feel fortunate to be a part of this process," said Master Sgt. Amanda Heffner, a five-year volunteer of the program. "The parents who come to register definitely need The Salvation Army's help."

Other unit-sponsored acts of kindness include donations to food pantries both on and off base and sponsoring quarterly clothes, toys and shoe drives.

"Our goal is to touch the lives of others everywhere," said Senior Master Sgt. Sebrena FlaggBriggs, outreach volunteer. "We do what we can to meet community needs and bring smiles and comfort when we deliver,"

For more information about how you can get involved in a community outreach project, contact your unit Human Resource Development Council representative.