Giving Tree strives to ease burden this holiday season

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – First sergeants here will once again assist military families here this holiday season by providing warm clothing to those who have recently moved to New England.

The Giving Tree program serves families with children age 16 and under anonymously through donations made by the community. The program is in its 17th year at Hanscom.

“The Giving Tree program is so important because it provides warm winter clothing to those in need,” said Master Sgt. Henry Hoegen, a first sergeant for the 66th Security Forces Squadron. “Winter clothing can be a very expensive burden this time of year, so it takes a little of the holiday stress away as well.”

The program, administered by the Hanscom Federal Credit Union, begins with a Christmas tree located in the Main Exchange lobby. Anyone wishing to participate can take a card off the tree, donate a gift and bring it back to the Base Exchange Service Center counter by Friday, Dec. 12.

“Hanscom Federal Credit Union has been a partner in the Giving Tree program for many years now,” said HFCU Chairman of the Board Paul Marotta. “Credit unions were founded on the principle of people helping people and there is no better way to put that principle into action than to be involved in the Giving Tree Program.”

Organizers said among the items most in need include hats, mittens, scarfs, boots and other cold weather items.

This year's Giving Tree program hopes to help more than 20 children on base.

For more information on the Giving Tree program, contact any first sergeant at Hanscom or by contacting Hoegen at 781-225-4315.