Seventh annual Turkey Drop planned

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The First Sergeant Council and Top Three Association here will collect hams, turkeys and other traditional Thanksgiving meal items Nov. 15 outside the Commissary from 8 a.m. to 12 noon for employees in need.

Distribution will be from 12 noon to 5 p.m., or until gone, at the same location for junior members of the base community.

“The Chief’s Group and Top Three have done a wonderful job coordinating this event the past six years,” said Master Sgt. Richard Abbott, 66th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant. “This year, the First Sergeant Council will take the lead in making sure the stress of the holidays is a little less so this Thanksgiving – and we’re excited about it.”

Donations are for any service member who is an E-1 through E-6, Defense Department civilians from GS-1 through GS-9 and all non-appropriated fund (NAF) employees.

As in past years, the American Red Cross of Massachusetts will donate 100 frozen turkeys to Hanscom Airmen.

Organizers collected a record number of items last year to help Hanscom families.

“The generosity last year from Team Hanscom was awesome,” said Master Sgt. John Fisher, 66th Air Base Group career assistance advisor, who helped coordinate last year’s Turkey Drop. “More than 250 families had an easier time celebrating Thanksgiving through that generosity.”

Abbott said that while the Turkey Drop’s intent is to help junior employees, the spirit is to help all those in need.

“For those that fall outside the eligible ranks advertised who are in need of help this year, please contact a first sergeant or someone within your chain of command to learn how to be involved,” he said.

Organizers also encourage those who might have difficulty making it to the Commissary parking lot at the allotted times, due to work schedules or other reasons, to contact a first sergeant to make alternate arrangements.

For those interested in making a donation earlier, or for additional information, contact Abbott at 781-225-5608 or by email at richard.abbott@us.af.mil.