Garrison helps ‘Santa’ through toy outreach

***image1***Members of the KMC can be Santa’s elves by donating to this year’s U.S.
Army Garrison Kaiserslautern Army Community Service Toy Outreach
Program.

“The program collects and distributes toys to the children of Army KMC
families who could benefit from this assistance during the holidays,”
said Roy Bolton, ACS Finance Readiness Program manager, who is
spearheading this year’s outreach program.

Collection is done by KMC members placing toys in drop boxes located in
high-traffic areas, such as Vogelweh PowerZone, Four Corners in
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and Kids’ Zone, building 2895 on
Pulaski Barracks.
The drop boxes will be in these locations until Dec. 9.

Toys needed for the program are new ones for children, ages infant to 17.
Mr. Bolton said that for older children, 16- and 17-year-olds, KMC
members donated Army and Air Force Exchange gift cards during past toy
drives.
Money, as well as toys, can also be donated for the program at ACS, building 2891 on Pulaski Barracks.

“Right now, the number of families who are eligible for this program is
422, which is already more than we helped last year,” said Mr. Bolton.

Families are identified by unit first sergeants, who provide names and ages of children to Mr. Bolton until Dec. 7.

The Kaiserslautern-Landstuhl Spouses’ Association has assisted with the
program over the years by donating more than $3,000 for buying new toys.

“And, we encourage our membership to give generously to this worthwhile
cause,” said Jennifer Goodman, KLSA president. “We also volunteer our
time to help with the distribution process.”

Distribution will be done 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16 at the KLSA Office, building 2923 on Pulaski Barracks.

While the toys are being distributed, the USAGK Chaplain’s Office will
also be there handing out commissary food vouchers to the identified
families for holiday dinners. The vouchers are a part of the Chaplain’s
Office Helping Hands program.

Mr. Bolton said that volunteers are still needed to help with the toy distribution.

To volunteer or for more information, call Mr. Bolton at 489-6469.