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“Giving” through the Giving Tree

  • Published
  • By Scott King
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Fairchild gives back to the community in many ways - one way is through the Giving Tree.
     Located at the entrance to the base chapel, the Giving Tree provides an opportunity for base personnel and retirees to share their blessings with local veterans who are not so fortunate. The Giving Tree holds "ornaments" in the shape of cards with the name of a gift; including such things as shirts, sweat pants, slippers, lap blankets and books that people can purchase and bring to the chapel for distribution to the Spokane Veterans Home.
     "Because we have been so richly blessed, we have the privilege of sharing these blessings with others, especially at this time of year." said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) James Glass, 92nd Air Refueling Wing chaplain. "Our veterans have served our nation faithfully during their time of service, so it warms my heart to see the generosity of those now serving or retired who honor their service."
     This annual way of giving to veterans has been taking place for at least 11 years and has provided hundreds of gifts to the Spokane Veterans Home.
     "I think the benefits are two-fold," Glass said. "First, the veteran is blessed with a new shirt, a hat, a book- or something to meet some practical need in their life. Second, the person who provides the gift has the opportunity both to express gratitude to those who have served as well as make a personal sacrifice to someone else's well-being."
     Chapel staff says since the gifts are unexpected they are very well received and the veterans deeply appreciate the generosity that Fairchild shows year-after-year.
     "Thank you to those who honor our veterans in this way," Glass said. "It's a great way to share during the holiday season."
     For those who wish participate; stop by the chapel, take an ornament, purchase and wrap the gift indicated on the card and bring the gift to the Catholic Program Coordinator, Karen Lynch, by Dec. 18.