Ohio Airmen bring holiday cheer to local children

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amber Williams
  • Public Affairs
Swanton, Ohio --  Security Forces Airmen from the 180th Fighter Wing teamed up with the Swanton Lions Club to help bring some holiday cheer to children in the local area, by collecting and delivering new toys to more than 150 children.

Since 2004, members of the 180th Security Forces Squadron have been dedicated to giving back to the community. In years past, the Airmen have collected and donated toys to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. In 2006 they transitioned into working with the Swanton Food Bank, where they volunteered and collected donations. For the past three years, the Airmen have joined forces with the Swanton Lions Club.

The Swanton Lions Club initiated Giving Trees located in retail stores and banks. Each Giving Tree consists of tags containing a wish list from area children. Wish lists often contain requests for coats, hats, and specific toys. Last year the giving tree had 110 tags from boys and girls in the local area. This year wish lists came from more than 150 children in need. Because of the high need this year, there were 34 wishes left unfulfilled. This is where, the 180th Security Forces stepped up to make sure every child received something.

Master Sgt. Scott Batch feels it is important for every squadron to come together and contribute to our surrounding communities in some way. "We have the Enlisted Force Council, which adopted two 180th families this year," said Batch. The Logistics Readiness Squadron has helped with the Toledo Seagate Food Bank by cooking and serving meals." The entire wing has been supporting the Toledo Seagate Food Bank with almost 30 thousand dollars and ten thousand pounds of food since 2009. "I think Security Forces just wanted to do something on their own. We have a committee and we try to as least do one charitable or volunteer function each year. There are Airmen and Noncommissioned Officers that want to step up and do something, this is a great way for them to do that and give back to the community."
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