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Spreading cheer: Tinker charity programs benefit local schoolchildren during holiday season

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  The spirit of the holiday season was evident Dec. 5 and 6.
   Adult personal shoppers from two Tinker charity programs escorted elementary and middle school-aged children through Midwest City's JC Penney for new outfits, winter outerwear and backpacks. Fifty-five children benefited.
   "Christmas time is about joy and celebrating the message of hope and love," said Col. James Fulton, commander of the 727th Aircraft Sustainment Group, who attended the 727th ACSG's Clothe the Children program Dec. 5. "This is a way to give back."
   The two programs -- Clothe the Children and the B-52 Program Office's Clothe-a-Kid Christmas project -- raised money throughout the year via fundraisers and donations to back the programs. More than $8,000 was raised for the events.
   The majority of the children, during both events, appeared excited and eager to help their personal shoppers find the right size, color or bargain.
"I get to take these home," said Amaurion Norment Dec. 5 pointing to the new sneakers on his feet.
   Amaurion is a pre-kindergartener at Pleasant Hill Elementary Early Childhood Center in Oklahoma City. He walked around JC Penney holding the hand of Ira Bryant, his personal shopper from the 727th ACSG. He used his other hand to hold up the jeans that were too big for him.
   The adult shoppers, in turn, appeared happy to help and thrilled to be a part of the event. Kelley Miller, volunteer shopper from the 727th ACSG, escorted 7-year-old Renee Williams of Barnes Elementary School in Midwest City Dec. 5.
   "It's awesome," Ms. Miller said of her first experience with the program. "I want to help kids get what they need."
   Scott Gardner, volunteer shopper from the B-52 Office, said he'd volunteered for the past three to four years.
   "It's a lot of fun to help kids and give back to the less fortunate kids," he said. With his 24-year-old daughter Andrea, Mr. Gardner shopped with Michael Grant and Elijah Helms Dec. 6. Both boys are 11 years old and from Crooked Oak Elementary School in Oklahoma City.
   "We want children to understand people will help them and we want them to be appreciative (of their help) and someday help someone else," said Sherri Murray, Crooked Oaks school counselor.
   In addition to shopping, children associated with Clothe-a-Kid met with Santa Claus and received backpacks filled with small toys, school supplies, books and candy.
   Between the two programs, Tinker has helped hundreds of children for more than 20 years. Clothe the Children was introduced 16 years ago and Clothe-a-Kid started about 25 years ago.