Sheppard brings Christmas to local children

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard hosted about 200 children from three Wichita Falls elementary schools Dec. 11 during its Annual Give a Child a Christmas event at the Community Center.

About 250 volunteers made a priceless memory for the children providing arts and crafts, such as making greeting cards, drawing on the coloring castle, creating foam ornaments, and enjoying pizza, drinks and cookies. But, the highlight of their day was a visit from jolly old St. Nick and presents.

Students like Kristin Villarreal from Sam Houston Elementary were thrilled that Sheppard took the time to make this a memorable holiday.

"I got a lot of the presents I put on my wish list," she said. "I'm very thankful for my sponsors."

RiyTavius Tobin also from Southern Hills, said it was great that "all of these strangers" were willing to do this for them.

"What this means to me is that there are people in the world that want to help strangers out," he said. "When I am grown up, I want to be just like them and give things to someone that I don't know either. I would give them a house."

Col. Kevin Schneider, 80th Flying Training Wing commander, said that he is so proud of all the volunteers and those that took a lot of time to set up the Give a Child a Christmas event.

"This really represents the relationship we share with the Wichita Falls community. In all of the years I have been in the Air Force, it's the best one I have ever seen," the colonel said.

Airman 1st Class Nicholas Carman, 82nd Security Forces Squadron installation patrolman, said he was glad that he has an opportunity to contribute to the kids.

"The student I sponsored asked for simple things like clothes and shoes," he said. "It feels good to give to those that are really in need and brighten their Christmas. I gave him clothes and shoes, but I also got him a toy as well."

Airman 1st Class Eric Durbin, 80th Operation Support Squadron an apprentice air traffic controller, said this was his first year participating in the event and it felt great to give back to the community.

"It's such a great experience giving to these children," the Airman said. "I hope he (Angel Montoya) can enjoy his new bike."