KAFB Fire Department ramps up for annual celebration

  • Published
  • By Ryan Stark
  • Nucleus writer
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The Kirtland Fire Department is ramping up for "Operation Holiday Cheer."

Volunteers at the annual charitable holiday celebration on Dec. 17 will dish up meals and fun at the base's Fire Station #2.

Ronnie Dexter, assistant chief of operations for the department and event director, said it is an opportunity for Team Kirtland to show support for its neighbors.

"All too often we are shut off from the adjoining community because of the obvious security reasons," he said. "With this event, we have the chance to partner with Albuquerque and show how grateful we are for their continued support."

People from around Albuquerque will be picked up at the Cesar Chavez and East Central community centers and brought on base for a meal and toy giveaway. It's a celebration that has been held every year since 1978.

Shops and restaurants on and near base donated items to make this year's event possible. Some 50 turkeys, 50 gallons of enchiladas, 40 gallons of pasole, 50 gallons of mashed potatoes and numerous desserts will be prepared by volunteers.

The team of 200 volunteers will distribute 2,000 meals and 1,000 toys.

Volunteers also sort the toys and make sure they are safe and age-appropriate.

"We hit the streets early for food," Dexter said. "And the majority of the toys come from the Coronado Mall giving tree and all the gracious people in Albuquerque."

Cesar Chavez and East Central community centers are working with the fire department to bring people to the event.

The fire department is still seeking volunteers and donations of turkeys, Dexter said.

For more information or to volunteer, call 846-8227. Frozen, unopened turkeys can be donated at Kirtland Fire Station Number 2, Building 1005, before Dec. 12.