Giving Tree provides warmth Published Dec. 2, 2015 By Mark Wyatt 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Hanscom first sergeants work throughout the year to provide assistance and mentoring to members of the base community in need. An example of this during the holiday season is through a Giving Tree located in the Main Exchange lobby that helps keep children warm as the weather turns cold. The Giving Tree program, administered by the Hanscom Federal Credit Union, assists military families by providing warm clothing to those who have recently moved to New England. "The goal of this program is to meet the needs of the community," said Master Sgt. Nicholas Souza, first sergeant assigned to the 66th Air Base Group, who helped to identify those families most in need. "We don't want a single child to be cold while outdoors this winter." The program serves families with children age 16 and under through donations made by the community. The program is in its 16th year at Hanscom. "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 real need was for warm winter clothing, especially for families relocating from warmer climates." Souza said the program is a huge team effort. "The program could not be successful without the volunteers and the community's support," he said. Anyone wishing to participate in the program can take a card off the tree, donate a gift and bring it back to the Base Exchange Service Center counter by Friday, Dec. 11. According to Souza, among the items most in need include hats, mittens, scarfs, boots and other cold weather items. This year's Giving Tree program is projected to help more than 20 children on base. "Only first sergeants know the names of the children receiving the items," Souza said. For more information on the Giving Tree program, contact Souza at 781-225-1302.