Colossal cookies crumble at Sheppard Published Dec. 11, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- More than 20,000 baked treats lie at the epicenter of the Colossal Cookie Drive Dec. 9, as Airmen and various volunteers banded together to deliver delicious treats to those who would enjoy them. Sponsored by the Sheppard Community Activity Center in conjunction with the Officer Spouse Club, Enlisted Spouse Club, Top Three and the First Sergeants Association, the delectable delights were distributed to Airmen across base. "It gives Airman away from home a taste of home," said Denice Tilley, community center director. "It makes them feel thought about." Groups of cookies, all shapes, sizes and flavors one could possibly imagine, were stacked throughout the community center room, taking up the entire space. Hands were busily at work counting and organizing packages for dispersal to those who would get the chance to enjoy them. "Everyone was in high spirits," said Master Sgt. Candice Fitzmaurice, 361st Training Squadron first sergeant. While the initial goal was 16,000 cookies, the goal was heavily exceeded as donations kept pouring in. Fitzmaurice attributes the support that the Air Force fosters as a key ingredient in the drive's success. "It's pretty awesome," she said. "We're family, that's what we do for each other." While the drive went on, there also lie a deeper purpose behind the smiles and plethora of delicious delights. With many of the personnel receiving the cookies being separated from a place they hold dear, Tilley wanted the drive to bring individuals together. "It's really nice that we're able to do something for them," she said. "We adopt them for a while and take care of them." As the cookies continued to come in throughout the wintery day, each person that came in was greeted by treats that were made with good intentions and even warmer hearts.