Tis the season of giving

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marjorie A. Bowlden
  • 911th Public Affairs
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  The holiday season is the season of giving; however, as purse strings are pulled tighter and budgets are slimmed down, the military isn't alone in feeling financial strain this year. Many individuals worry about purchasing necessities for their family's function and survival. In some cases, there simply isn't enough money left after the bills are paid.

That's where the 911th Airlift Wing Airman and Family Readiness Center comes in. This year, Airman and Family Readiness is sponsoring an Angel Tree to benefit those facing financial hardships.

Master Sgt. Thomas Merz, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Airman and Family Readiness Center at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station said, it's a way for 911th AW Airmen to provide gift cards to other Airmen in need.

Decorated with ribbons, twinkling lights and simple angel ornaments, the Angel Tree stands inside the dining facility for all to see. On the front of each ornament is a statement to designate gift cards that Airman and Family Readiness would like to collect. Stores suggested include Wal-Mart, Giant Eagle, Target and Home Depot.

Airmen who take an ornament can choose the amount they wish to donate on the card, said Merz. Cards should then be given to either the donator's superintendent or directly to the Airmen and Family Readiness Center.

The gift cards are given confidentially, said Staff Sgt. Ashleylynn Wiley, who made the angel ornaments for the tree. This means that Airman and Family Readiness will make sure that neither the sender's nor the receiver's names will be revealed.

Staff Sgt. Wiley, an air reserve technician with the Structural Maintenance Squadron, said she got involved because she felt the pressure of the furlough this year and felt the need to help others.

"If I was struggling as a single Airman with no dependents, I can't imagine the struggle of families," said the staff sergeant.

Wiley said that the most important thing that Airmen should know is that the donations go to fellow Airmen.

"When they get a gift card, it's going straight to someone on this base," she said. "It's not going to a stranger or some Joe Schmo off the street."

The members of Airman and Family Readiness are happy to do this because it helps them to carry out their mission of supporting the morale and welfare of 911th AW Airmen and their families, said Master Sgt. Merz.

"It's people helping people," he said. "We're all one family, here to help one another out."
 
The tree will be located in the dining facility until the end of the unit training assembly, and then it will be moved to the hallway outside of Perksburgh during the week. All donations for the angel tree are due December 18.