Article Display

Cookie drive keeps holiday spirit alive

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley Maldonado
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Members from the Shaw Spouses Group and volunteers from the Sumter, South Carolina, community volunteered at Team Shaw’s annual cookie drive, Dec. 7.

The Shaw Spouses Group organized the “Shower Shaw with Cookies” cookie drive with local businesses, schools and others around the community to provide cookies for Airmen and Soldiers at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

The holiday time is the best time ever, said Harlena Banks, Shaw Spouses Group member and cookie drive organizer. It is about being around family and being able to support where she can, so when she found out they were doing a cookie drive and it was focused toward the Airmen living in the dorms, she wanted to help.

Banks went on to say how sharing cheer and joy with everyone, especially if they are away from their families and friends, can make a difference.

Airmen and Soldiers who live in the dormitories on base received three dozen cookies each to give them a taste of home in case they are not able to see their family during the holiday season.

Delivered by squadron first sergeants, every cookie recipient also got a holiday card provided by local elementary, middle and high school students.

“I recently arrived at Shaw AFB last Wednesday, so being able to get that touch of home away from home during the holiday season really does mean a lot to me,” said Airman 1st Class Nathan Greer, 20th Comptroller Squadron customer service representative. “It provides the homemade sense of love that you just don’t really get in the dorms.”

With this “sweet” gesture from the spouses group and local community, Shaw Airmen and Soldiers who cannot be with their family during the holiday season can still feel the holiday cheer miles from home.