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Scott's First Sergeants sponsor Angel Tree program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kiana Brothers
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  It's that time of the year again. Gifts lay under Christmas trees decorated with ornaments, garland, lights, and candy canes, but for some families, Christmas does not always include presents.

To assist these families, Scott's First Sergeants group sponsored the Annual Angel Tree program. The tree is located at the Base Exchange now through Dec. 19, but the tree will still be displayed until Christmas Eve to help ensure that each wish list has the chance of being fulfilled.

Anyone who wishes to donate gifts can stop by the exchange and pick a tag hanging from the tree. The tags include a wish list from one of Team Scott's families and gifts can be dropped off in the drop box near the tree.

"We want to ensure that everyone feels that sense of community and that no family is left behind," said Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Hutchison, United States Transportation Command first sergeant.

He said he has been a first sergeant for about seven years and the Angel Tree has always been associated with his holidays.

First sergeants from each organization on base identified the members who needed the help and most deserves to be a participant. The information is kept within the organization, but nearly 125 participants were chosen to make a wish list with up to three items listed.

"We don't have a lot of individuals step up and say that I want to put my family on the tree," he said. "Normally we go seek members out because we know they have something going on, so we offer the opportunity to them."

Hutchison said their goal is to reach as many families as possible at Scott so that they will not go without a cheerful holiday.

"I think it's fantastic because my grandfather was a World War II veteran, and so I have a strong personal connection to this program," said Misty Hutchison, Ryan Hutchison's wife. "For me to participate in this is just a way for me to give back to what I feel we are receiving."

The people on the base are so generous at giving back to people in need, she said. She walked in to her office one day and had three shopping carts overflowing with gifts she said. What these kids are asking for is not much.

Ryan said even if the families didn't step forward and say they wanted to be a part of this, they are grateful to be offered this opportunity.