Angel Tree makes wishes come true
HURLBURT FIELD - There's an old adage that says angels are found in strange places. Every holiday season, a tree in the base exchange reminds us of those who walk among us at Hurlburt Field.
The Company Grade Officer's Council's annual Angel Tree adorns the BX lobby from now until Dec. 14. It's trimmed with tags, each belonging to a Hurlburt child who needs help making holiday wishes come true. The tags list the child's age, gender and gift ideas.
"The program reached 200 kids last year," said Capt. Nicholas Mullett, CGOC member. "We're pushing for that same number this year, but hopefully we'll surpass it."
The program is open to all base military and civilian personnel, and Captain Mullett said the squadron first sergeants solicit participants based on need.
"They look for people with lots of kids, people going through a hard time, people who just arrived on base and are getting settled in - anyone who might need help," he said.
Captain Mullett said the first sergeants are doing a great job taking care of their people, but they can't do it alone.
Anyone wanting to help with the Angel Tree program just needs to pick a tag from the tree and return it with new, unwrapped gifts. The CGOC is also accepting extra toys and gift wrapping supplies. There is no price range for gifts or donations.
"We want to make sure kids have a great holiday," Captain Mullett said. "If it takes the family here on base to make that happen, people are always willing to help out."
Staff Sgt. Marsha Charles, 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group, heard the call and cheerfully accepted a tag that will help fulfill a child's holiday wish.
"I'm glad to be able to bring happiness into a child's life at Christmas time," she said.
For more information, call Captain Mullett at (850) 881-2796.