917th Wing to participate in Santas in Blues

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Crystal MK Jordan
  • 917 Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale Air Force Base, La. --  The 917th Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., plans to participate in Barksdale's Santas in Blues program this year, which is a base-sponsored program designed to bring Christmas to underprivileged foster children in the Caddo, Bossier, Webster and De Soto parishes.

The 2nd Bomb Wing's top three, including the 917th WG, in conjunction with the Air Force Sergeants Association and local community businesses will sponsor foster children from birth to age 17.

Children are sponsored by Airmen volunteering in their "blues" uniform and presented a gift at one of the program sponsored Christmas parties.

A children's party will be at the Bossier Civic Center December 19 from 1130 am to 3 pm for children from birth to age 12.

A teen party will be at Hot Wheels Skating Rink December 19 from 9 am to noon for children ages 13 to 17.

Pizza, drinks, cookies and entertainment will accompany the Santas at the parties along with the volunteers.

"It takes the entire base to make this happen," said Master Sgt. Rachell Wood, the 917th WG's point of contact for this program.

"The amount received by foster parents is not enough," said Sergeant Wood. "There are times the foster families don't have a way of making Christmas happen for these children. The Airmen at Barksdale saw that need."

Volunteers are currently being requested from the 917th WG members and the next meeting is scheduled to take place at the Non-commissioned Officers Stripes Club December 1 at 2pm.

Volunteers are greatly needed for the gift wrapping to take place in the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Shop, Building 5766, in preparation for the Christmas parties.

Monetary donations are also being collected by squadrons in order to meet the $2,000 goal this year.

"Every penny raised goes directly to the children," assured Sergeant Wood. "Some of the children we see have grown up in the foster care system and they look forward to this event."

Last year, the 917th WG purchased gifts for more than 100 children and met their $2,000 goal.