LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The holidays are right around the corner, which means the Langley First Sergeants Council is gearing up for the holiday portion of Operation Warmheart, a year-round charity program led by the LFSC to assist Airmen who have financial difficulties.
The largest fundraising effort occurs during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons, where families in need receive holiday food baskets.
"As a first sergeant, this time of year is very rewarding as our council comes together to provide assistance to families in need," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. John Ritz, 1st Operations Support Squadron first sergeant.
From Nov. 12-22, first sergeants will accept donations at the Langley commissary and Exchange, ranging from food items to monetary donations. Last year the council was able to collect enough donations to fill 550 baskets. This season, the council hopes to collect enough to fill more than 600 baskets, which include a variety of seasonal food staples including cranberry sauce, stuffing and potatoes.
"When we do the food drive and baskets for Thanksgiving, the families are always appreciative," said Ritz. " I enjoy knowing we made someone's holiday."
To help raise money and collect donations, the council will also host a 5K run Nov. 22. Registration is $15 per person or $60 per five-person team and each participant is required to bring two canned goods.
"Operation Warmheart allows the first sergeants [and communuty] to give back to Langley," said Ritz. "Knowing that so many families will be able to celebrate the holiday with a complete meal is very uplifting."
For more information, contact your unit's first sergeant.