Firefighters to host 'Operation Holiday Cheer'

  • Published
  • By DJ Babbitt
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  For the 34th year, the Kirtland AFB Fire Department will host "Operation Holiday Cheer," an outreach program that serves the nearby community to help provide people less fortunate with some comforts of the season.

Kirtland AFB firefighters have teamed up with Albuquerque's East Central Community Center to provide children with toys and chance to meet Santa, and a meal for families and senior citizens. In years past, the program has fed 2,000 people, and organizers expect record-breaking attendance this year.

The event will begin Dec. 19 at the East Central Community Center. Seniors, families and children will be picked up there and driven on base for a meal at Kirtland Fire Station No. 2.

For seniors, lunch will be served at 11 a.m. and for families and children, lunch will begin at noon. After the meal, Santa will arrive on a fire truck, bringing toys and goodies for the children. Festivities will conclude around 5 p.m.

Ronnie Dexter, Kirtland AFB Fire Department lieutenant, said, "We want to show children someone cares about them. We depend on volunteers to help serve food, clean up, hand out toys and assist seniors and families with children. Team Kirtland makes this event a success."

To volunteer for Operation Holiday Cheer, call Dexter at 846-8308 or 846-8227.