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Local school hosts Christmas toy drive for Reserve families in need

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Shane Ellis
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. --  Ten members of the Summerville's Faith Christian School girls basketball team visited the 315th Airlift Wing Airman and Family Readiness Office Dec. 19 and delivered more than 115 Christmas presents for Reserve families in need.

Master Sgt. Nichelle Cunningham, 315 AW Staff Judge Advocate Law Office superintendent and FCS girls basketball coach, helped organize the event as a mentoring opportunity for her young ladies - who went right to work and recruited the boys basketball team to help out with the toy drive.

"We are excited about the opportunity to give to our Reserve families during this holiday season," said Cunningham. "It's a good feeling to see our young men and women and how they came together with a giving and grateful spirit."

Madison Pittman, a sophomore at FCS, said that participating in the drive made her feel like she was contributing to something bigger than herself and with a much higher purpose.

"The toy drive gave me an opportunity to feel like I'm being part of a community - and being able to be a part of their Christmas is nice," said Pittman. "I feel like it is God's love that we can give to others even if we can't see them it's nice to be part of something like that."

Destiny Gurley, an eighth grader at FCS, said that the toy drive was important to her because it kind of touches close to home.

"When I was younger growing up, my mom and I were kind of out on our own and she always made a way to make me have a good holiday at Christmas," she said. "This was something that I really just wanted to do to help these families."

Col. Jamie Fontanella, 315th AW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Gigi Manning, 315th AW command chief master sergeant, greeted the young givers with warmth and gratitude, and they commended them for working so hard to collect all of the awesome gifts.

"Thank you," said Manning. "We are very appreciative and the families will be, too.

Lisa Sweatt, 315th Airman and Family Readiness director, and Master Sgt. Traci Johnson, 315th Airman and Family Readiness noncommissioned officer in charge will load up their sleigh and make these special deliveries this holiday season.