Clothe-the-Children: Volunteers continue tradition of helping local school kids Published Dec. 11, 2015 By Kimberly Woodruff Staff Writer TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Six-year-old Jaxon was excited to shop with his partner, a volunteer from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, but he admitted he was nervous. Jaxon soon found that there was nothing to be nervous about. He and 29 other children were treated to a shopping spree Dec. 4 at a local department store, thanks to volunteers from the AFLCMC Commercial Derivative Aircraft Division Special Duty Branch. There were two children from each of the Mid-Del elementary schools. "I absolutely love kids," said Capt. Ashton Carter, Jaxon's shopping buddy. "When I found out we were helping out children in need, I wanted to help." David Horn said the event started with the purchase of one coat for a child who needed one. The group holds various events throughout the year to raise money to fund this event. Each child received $150, a small gift for mom or dad and a breakfast bag. Shopping with the underprivileged children is something AFLCMC volunteers have been doing for 24 years. The store staff members were dressed in costumes from "The Grinch" movie, and store manager Stephanie Haley was the "cheer-meister." "This is a real blessing to us." Ms. Haley said. "Christmas is about family and giving." Ten year-old Robert shopped for jeans with his personal shopper, Steve Cameron. Mr. Cameron said he was having so much fun and it reminded him of shopping for his son, Josh, who is 27 years old now. "I like being with the kids and giving back," said Mr. Cameron. Nathan, 11, had two shoppers with him, Jon Choat and Brian Robie. Mr. Choat and Mr. Robie have been participating in the event for the past four or five years now. "We have a lot of fun," said Mr. Choat. "It's the best thing we do all year." Mr. Robie agreed. "We look forward to this every year," he said. "It's just so much fun." Kaye DeSomer, who has been volunteering since 2008, said she loves doing this for the kids. "I mean, look at that face," she said. "I love it. I do it because I was there. It would have been nice to have that when I was a kid. These kids just need to know someone cares about them." Ms. DeSomer's friend was 9-year-old Karlee, who also happens to be an Oklahoma State University fan just like Ms. DeSomer. "Frozen" was a very popular choice for the girls in the group. Ten-year-old Emily modeled her new jammies and slippers and exclaimed, "Jammies are so soft!" Her shoppers Casie Brazil and Charlotte Baccuss were having just as much fun watching Emily shop.