MacDill AFB, Fla -- Reserve Airmen passed along donated toys to children at the MacDill AFB Child Development Center in an attempt to spread some cheer in challenging times.
Reservists from the 927th Air Refueling Wing stationed at MacDill Air Force Base were preparing for a family day event meant to happen during the unit training assembly in early April. The UTA and the family day were postponed as a COVID-19 preventative measure, but a shipment of toys donated by the Kids Wish Network were already on their way and arrived here Mar. 20. Rather than store the toys, the Airmen coordinated with the base child care facility to give them to the over 100 children there.
“What a great surprise for our families who are immensely stressed right now,” said Mrs. Brenda Ricker, Flight Chief of Child and Youth Services.
The reservists were happy to help out at a time when kindness and connection are critical.
“I’m just happy they could go to kids who can use them rather than sit in a warehouse,” said SMSgt Heather Bragdon, who brought her 7-year-old daughter Zoe to help unload the toys.