Toys for Tots

Several hundred toys collected during the month of December at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., will be distributed to underprivileged community members in Alamogordo, N.M., Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sgt. Willie Estrada Memorial Civic Center. There are 26 donation boxes across base, including at the Shoppette, billeting, the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the Desert Sands Enlisted Club, the 49th Wing headquarters building, the medical group, the library, the German Air Force wing building, the Community Activities Center, the fire stations, and the main security forces building. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Carolyn Herrick/released)

Toys for Tots

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgts. Samantha Hagan and Jackson Nay load donations from a Toys For Tots collection point at The Exchange at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Dec. 13. The toys will be distributed to underprivileged community members at the Sgt. Willie Estrada Memorial Civic Center in Alamogordo, N.M., Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the largest Toys for Tots drive that Holloman AFB has ever held, with more than 300 toys collected. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Carolyn Herrick/released)

Toys for Tots

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgts. Samantha Hagan and Jackson Nay load donations from a Toys For Tots collection point at The Exchange at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Dec. 13. The two 49th Maintenance Operations Squadron maintenance training instructors initiated an expanded base-wide drive this year, with 26 collection points. The toys will be distributed to underprivileged community members at the Sgt. Willie Estrada Memorial Civic Center in Alamogordo, N.M., Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Carolyn Herrick/released)

'Tis the season to give back: two Airmen team up with Toys For Tots

Published Dec. 20, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Leah Murray
49th Wing Public Affairs

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. - -- It's that time of year again: the holiday season - complete with lights, food, family, and, of course, Santa Claus. Children are counting down the days to see what the man in red has brought for them, but what about those parents who haven't had the best financial year? Two Airmen from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., are here to help.

Staff Sgts. Jackson Nay and Samantha Hagan, both 49th Maintenance Operations Squadron maintenance training instructors, teamed up this year to successfully bring Toys For Tots to the Holloman AFB community.

"I grew up in an underprivileged family," said Nay, an Alturas, Calif., native. "I'm really big on every child having a gift on Christmas."

Toys For Tots was started in 1947 by Bill Hendricks, a major in the U.S. Marine Corps. His idea was to collect toys for needy children so they would always have a gift on Christmas. Soon, the foundation grew nationwide, and now takes place every holiday season.

Nay and Hagan knew that Holloman AFB had participated in the drive before, but this year they wanted to expand and communicate the importance of giving back. They set up 26 donation boxes around base, and collected "massive stacks of toys" - more than 300 so far, according to Nay.

"Everyone has an opportunity to contribute this year," Hagan stated with excitement.
When asked why this is such an important event to them they both gave a heartwarming response.

"I have a soft spot for children," said Hagan, a Colorado Springs, Colo., native.
She is teaching her 2-year-old daughter the importance of giving back this holiday as well.

"I'm bringing my daughter to the toy distribution so she will always know how important it is to give to others," she said.

More than 15 members of Team Holloman will volunteer their time to distribute toys at the Sgt. Willie Estrada Memorial Civic Center in Alamogordo, N.M., Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Santa will make a special appearance.

Anyone is welcome to receive; however, the Toys For Tots organizers ask everyone to keep in mind that the foundation was based on the needs of the under privileged.

"It would be nice on these final days to give one last push to help children this Christmas," said Hagan. "It isn't about opening walls, but opening our hearts no matter what; it's all about the kids."