Airmen for Children begins at Scott Published Aug. 7, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Airmen for Children, a program enabling Airmen to spend time with hospitalized children, began at Scott July 16. "I've always wanted to give back and I used to volunteer for a hospital when I was in high school," said Staff Sgt. Jewell Hicks, 375th Communications Squadron executive communications support. Airmen for Children allows Airmen to volunteer at the Ranken Jordan hospital in Missouri for one hour and do an assortment of activities with children, including arts and crafts and reading books. Ranken Jordan is the only pediatrics specialty hospital in Missouri and it serves three states. Children at the hospital range from two weeks old to 18 years old, many from impoverished families. "My goal is to provide an escape from their pain, even if it is just one kid for one hour," said Sergeant Hicks. The first Airmen for Children who visited Ranken Jordan hospital July 16 group read books to the children and played instruments. "It was great," said Sergeant Hicks." It exceeded my expectations and it was very rewarding." The second Airmen for Children group volunteered July 31. The children ranged from 8 to 18 years old. This time Airmen for Children group decorated cookies and played with bubbles. "I feel it is a really good event because these kids are in the hospital and are not feeling well," said Staff Sgt. Linda Crouch, 375th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate paralegal. Sergeant Hicks plans to spread Airmen for Children to other local hospitals in the future. The next opportunities to volunteer are Aug. 13 and 27 from 11 a.m. to noon. Only eight Airmen can participate at a time. For more information, contact Sergeant Hicks at 256-2666 or at jewell.hicks@scott.af.mil.