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Operation Holiday Cheer seeks donations, volunteers

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  One of Kirtland's biggest charitable events of the year will take place Dec. 18, and organizers are looking for donations and volunteers to help make it a success.

Operation Holiday Cheer is hosted by the base's firefighters and has been an annual holiday tradition for 35 years. The first event hosted approximately 30 seniors from the surrounding community. They were brought to the fire department and given a meal and a gift. The program has since grown to serve between 1,500 and 2,000 people each year.

In addition to feeding more than 400 families at a fire station on base, the program distributes about 1,500 new and high-quality toys to children of the families who participate. Santa Claus will be on hand to greet children and give them a gift. In addition, about 125 food baskets are delivered throughout the surrounding community.

Ronnie Dexter, event director, said the amount of food prepared and served is massive, including 50 turkeys, 50 gallons of enchiladas, 40 gallons of posole, 50 gallons of mashed potatoes, and "immeasurable desserts."

Dexter said they are in need of contributions and volunteer assistance to ensure it is successful.

"The fire department gratefully depends upon the generosity of concerned people to keep this worthwhile program in force," he said. "We are in dire need of help this year in order for this project to continue meeting the needs of people less fortunate than ourselves."

Toys can be brought directly to Fire Station #2 on base. The base also relies heavily on the Giving Tree at Coronado Mall, East Central Community Center portion.

Dexter said local businesses are very giving with food stores and supplies needed for food preparation. Contributors include Bueno Foods, Chili's, Golden Corral, Kirtland's Dining Facility, Mountain View Club, and the Sandia National Labs/DOE Dining Facility.

Those willing to volunteer to help with the event can contact Lee Shaffer at 853-6705. Some of the needed duties include serving food, assisting families, clean up and handing out gifts.