Operation Holiday Cheer a major success

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  What started 36 years ago as a small event feeding about 30 senior citizens from the local community has turned into one of Kirtland's biggest charity events of the year, where about 2,000 people from Kirtland's surrounding communities are treated to a feast.

Operation Holiday Cheer, hosted annually by the Kirtland Fire Department, was once again a major success. About 50 turkeys, 50 gallons of enchiladas, 40 gallons of posole, 50 gallons of mashed potatoes and "immeasurable desserts" were served at the Dec. 17 event.

"Putting on this event is a lot of work and people ask me why we keep doing this year after year.  My response is always, 'Well, why wouldn't we?'" said Ronnie Dexter, event director. "We care about the community and this event is our way of letting them know just how much we care."

In addition to feeding about 400 families, about 800 new toys were distributed to children of the families who participated. 

Anna Duran, a pediatrician at the University of New Mexico, is in her ninth year being in charge of the toy operation. She interfaces with various groups, such as Honeywell, the Coronado Mall and Walmart, for toy donations. Then with the help of volunteers, she spends three days organizing the toys so that each child will receive an age-appropriate present from Santa Claus.

"We work hard to give these children a fun and memorable experience," Duran said. "You see the joyous looks on their faces when they talk to Santa and receive a toy, it makes it all worth it."

It was the first time attending the event for Edna Enriquez, a member of the community who brought her three young children for a meal and to see Santa, and she was thoroughly impressed.

"It's just amazing that they'd go through all this work for us," she said. "The food was terrific and everything about this event was wonderful."

Dexter said the event wouldn't have been a success if it weren't for the organizations on base who provided support, including the Logistics Readiness Squadron, Security Forces, the Medical Group and others.  He also wanted to thank the local businesses who donate food and toys.

"It's always amazes me that we can pull this off year after year, but hundreds of volunteers come together and everyone does a little and it all adds up," Dexter said.