KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Operation Holiday Cheer is lifting spirits and filling bellies for the 38th year next week.
The Kirtland Air Force Base Fire Department’s annual community holiday party is set for 11 a.m. to about 5 p.m. Wednesday at Fire Station 2, on the west side of the base. Attendees get a turkey dinner and a chance to participate in a number of activities.
Santa visits each year and gives out about 1,000 toys.
“It is something that many of our families look forward to and need,” said toy coordinator and University of New Mexico pediatrician Dr. Anna Duran.
She said many attendees have low incomes and appreciate their children being able to receive a present and pose for a photo with Santa.
“Plus when you’re there and see a child get a toy from Santa, that’s all it takes to make your day,” she said.
Assistant Fire Chief Ronnie Dexter, who helps coordinate the event, said Operation Holiday Cheer started in 1978, serving 50 senior citizens. Now it brings in 500 families, close to 2,000 guests.
“The bulk of the toys are donated through the Coronado Mall Giving Tree, which is the only way we could reach our goal of ensuring every child receives a gift,” he said.
Duran has volunteered as toy coordinator for about eight years.
She leads a team of UNMH pediatricians, emergency nurses and a few trustworthy moms to sort toys to make sure children’s gifts are age-appropriate and don’t include anything that’s been recalled or might have lead paint. The job takes the group about 16 hours over two days, she said.
Her co-workers look forward to volunteering every year and ask about how to get involved.
Kirtland firefighters and their spouses and children donate lots of time to make the event happen.
To connect with families and get them cleared to come on base, the fire department works with the City of Albuquerque’s Cesar Chavez Community Center.
Local businesses and individuals donate the food, including 50 to 60 turkeys, Dexter said.
At the event, Christina Gonzales from Albuquerque BioPark hosts a petting zoo, and Melissa Chavez of the Young Children’s Health Center at UNM Hospital operates a children’s project station.
For a soundtrack, Dexter said New Mexico’s Finest Disc Jockey Services provides general music, while Gregg Daigle from Gregg Daigle Band plays personalized holiday songs.
“Honeywell pulls all the loose-end needs together to make Operation Holiday Cheer a success,” Dexter continued.
Honeywell technical writer Teresa Mueller organizes company donations of food, gifts for senior citizens and whatever else firefighters need for the event.
She said the company has been participating for at least 20 years, even though it no longer has an office on Kirtland.
This year, employees are collecting toys and non-perishable food, as well as raising money for the event with a silent auction. Many of them also volunteer their time.
Mueller said the families served are appreciative, and Operation Holiday Cheer brings the community together.
“There’s just this atmosphere that brings out the Christmas spirit,” she said.
Anyone interested in volunteering for food preparation, setup, serving, cleanup or other jobs can contact firefighter and volunteer coordinator Rock Sweeney at roc.sweeney@us.af.mil or (623) 628-4654.
To donate turkeys, bring them by Fire Station 2, Bldg. 1005, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. by the end of the day Friday. Turkeys must still be frozen upon delivery.