HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The First Sergeant Council here is working with the Hanscom Federal Credit Union this holiday season to provide cold-weather clothing to base families new to Massachusetts.
The Giving Tree Program, administered by the Hanscom Federal Credit Union, serves families with children age 16 and under through donations made by the community. The program is in its 17th year at Hanscom.
“Hanscom first sergeants work throughout the year to provide assistance to all members of the base community,” said Master Sgt. Nicholas Souza, a member of the Hanscom First Sergeant Council. “An example of this is during the holiday season when we work on a Giving Tree located in the Main Exchange lobby that helps those who recently moved to New England.”
Anyone wishing to participate in the program can take a card off the tree at the Main Exchange and donate the gift by bringing it back to the Base Exchange Customer Service Center counter by Friday, Dec. 9.
“The Giving Tree evolved out of a holiday gift drive conducted years ago,” said HFCU Chairman of the Board Paul Marotta. “We got involved as part of our commitment to the base community. We noticed the need was for warm winter clothing, especially for families relocating from warmer climates.”
Souza, who along with other first sergeants, helped to identify those families in need, said the program is a huge team effort.
“Moving from a warm weather climate to Massachusetts can be costly to larger families,” he said. “This is another opportunity for the base community to rally around military or civilian members in need this holiday season.”
According to Souza, the items most in need include hats, mittens, scarfs, boots and other cold weather items.
This year's Giving Tree program is expected to help more than 30 base children.
For more information on the Giving Tree program, contact Souza at 781-225-5522 or any first sergeant.