Donation delivers toys to Travis

  • Published
  • By Nick DeCicco
  • Daily Republic
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Tables teemed with towers of free toys Dec. 5 at Travis Air Force Base's First Street Chapel as part of a donation to 250 military families.

Approximately 100 boxes totaling more than 10,000 toys were donated to Airmen and other service members by Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization that helps military families nationally. Among the items available were Lego sets, puzzles, Fisher Price toys, board games such as Monopoly and Sorry! and more.

One family making the rounds at the tables was the Coles, with Staff Sgt. Terrell Cole, 60th Maintenance Operations Flight maintenance operations controller, and his wife checking out the loot with their 6-month-old son. Cole said the giveaway helped at a hectic time of year.

"It's one less thing (to worry about)," he said. "Instead of buying toys, I can buy other things like some foods and diapers and wipes. . . . It makes my life better."

Many of the toys came from 10 area discount stores, which solicited donations during recent months, said Sylvia Crowder, Travis' Airman and Family Readiness Center school liaison.

Crowder helped organize the event, which is now in its fourth year on base. She said that while it's hard work, it's also rewarding.

"I love doing it," she said. "The end result is really great."

One person benefitting from the end result was Angie Miller, wife of Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Miller, 60th Medical Operations Squadron paramedic. Miller was on the lookout for a Disney Princess figurine along with other trinkets for her 6-year-old daughter.

"My husband and I work full time, so this is perfect," Miller said. "It's amazing when people give up their time to do for other people."

Miller, who served with the Navy, said the giveaway was particularly helpful for younger Airmen and service members facing financial difficulties at this time of year.

"I tell as many people as I can find," she said. "Not every parent can afford it, so it's nice for them."

Operation Homefront's annual holiday toy drive is now in its eighth year. The organization also helps provide financial assistance, repairs and other good and aid to service members year round.

For more information, visit OperationHomefront.net.