Angel Tree gives record $24K to KMC families

Story and photo by Airman 1st Class Savannah L. Waters 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

A cake is displayed at the 2016 Angel Tree ceremony Nov. 8 on Ramstein. This year 233 Air Force, Army and Navy Families received Angel Tree donations, affecting more than 400 children’s lives.

The KMC donated in force this past holiday season, raising approximately $24,000 for the annual Angel Tree program Nov. 8 to Dec. 21.

The Angel Tree program was able to provide holiday financial assistance to 233 military families and 410 military children. This was the most money ever raised for Ramstein’s Angel Tree program.

The Angel Tree program is a First Sergeant Council outreach initiative that provides monetary assistance to Airmen and their families during the holiday season.

“On behalf of the KMC first sergeants, I would like to thank all those who donated to this year’s Angel Tree campaign,” said Master Sgt. Timothy Bedford, 21st Operational Weather Squadron first sergeant. “It’s phenomenal, and it proves that the people of the KMC are givers.”

Throughout the Angel Tree 2016 campaign, 16 Angel Trees were placed throughout the KMC, each tree covered in tags with recommended donation amounts.

“There were first sergeants that actually went out and bought toys to wrap and hand out,” said Master Sgt. Daniel Olivares, 86th Operations Support Squadron first sergeant. “There’s definitely a lot of great people that are willing to help out and support during such an uplifting event.”