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Scott personnel donate gifts to abused children

  • Published
  • By Airman Megan Friedl
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Family Advocacy and members of the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight recently delivered $11,000 worth of donated gifts to local agencies that work with abused children.

The gifts were collected through Family Advocacy's Angels in April program--a monthlong event to bring awareness to child abuse prevention.

This event encouraged the base population to make anonymous donations to children who are living in an alternative placement setting, including local shelters and foster placement, at a time other than just the holidays.

Angel trees were placed in locations throughout base to include the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Library, Youth Center, Child Development Centers, Fitness Center, 375th Medical Group and the 932nd Airlift Wing building. The angel trees were filled with tags listing an age and a suggested gift. Gifts poured in throughout the month and every single tag placed on the trees received a gift.

"During this time when almost everyone is experiencing some kind of financial hardship, it's encouraging to know that people are still so willing to give," said Amanda Pinkham, Family Advocacy outreach manager. Pinkham and Kim Peek, Family Advocacy intervention specialist, with the assistance of 375th CES EOD, were able to make this year's event successful due to the kindness and giving nature of the Scott AFB population.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Hess, 375th CES EOD, said, "This was a great cause to help out. Anytime we can get together to give back, we are more than willing to do that."

During May Pinkham and 375th CES EOD delivered all of the donations to various agencies affiliated with children in the St. Clair County area. Most of the children did not know their names were on the list and were surprised to receive the gifts.

Angels in April was held to give back to children who have been directly affected by child abuse.

"These kids really do appreciate the fact that someone took the time out of their busy schedule and put a significant amount of time and effort to go shopping to find the individual gifts that were requested," said Pinkham.