HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – The Hill AFB chapel community is collecting gifts for children of military members in a financial crunch.
Wishes from more than 200 children are written on angel cards that hang on the tree.
Information on the cards includes if the Christmas wish comes from a girl or a boy, the child’s age and of course the gift description.
Geri Carrier, Angel Tree volunteer facilitator, said the need this year is great because of the current economic climate.
“Inflation is hitting everyone this year, but it has really hurt our military families, she said.” Participating in the Angel Tree program is a great way to help out.”
Carrier, who has been associated with the military for 55 years and has worked as an Angel Tree volunteer since 2008 said the Angel Tree isn’t charity.
“It’s ‘pay it forward,’” she said. “I expect these families receiving gifts this year in a couple of years, when they’re in a more comfortable situation, to come and take a card off the tree to help another family. It makes people part of our military family.”
The process is so simple. Take an angel from the tree and the beige information tracking card. Obtain the requested gift and fill in the information on the tracking card. Wrap the gift and attach the angel. Take the wrapped gift back to the chapel and drop the identification card in the Angel Tree box in the foyer.
The gifts are requested for return to the chapel as soon as possible, and no later than Dec. 11.
“I’m always in awe of the kindness and generosity of people,” Carrier said. “This year I hope people will continue to help one another and help these children have a happy Christmas.”
If you would like to help or if you need more information, visit the Base Chapel or call 801-777-2105.