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Operation True Giving: Displays true meaning of holiday season

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  For the past 30 years, members of the Catholic community here have organized an annual December Christmas outreach program called "Operation True Giving."

This program also gives members of the Protestant community, Airmen, soldiers, and civilians the opportunity to put their faith into practice by sharing resources with others.

"It does my heart good," said Frances Watson, Operation True Giving volunteer. "God gave me joy in helping others, making their lives easier."

The recipients of the donations are military families, the local community, nursing homes, department of social services, early head start, and several other groups.

"I've done this my whole life," said Stella Bailey, Operation True Giving volunteer. "Helping those in need has always made me so happy."

Volunteering to help families in need is about supporting the local Sumter community and giving back.

"I go out to give hugs. It's amazing to see the happiness in giving," said Watson.

To be a sponsor of a family in need and donate food and Christmas gifts, Airmen, soldiers and dependents may contact their First Sergeants.

"Sponsors of families for the program are given a list of requested items and food, which the family is in need of," said Bailey. "Once we've received all food items and gifts we deliver it to the sponsored family's home."

Each holiday season, the Shaw Chapel strives to help the local community, extending a supporting hand to those in need.

"Our value, the core of who we are as Airmen, compels us to put others before ourselves," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David Kelley, 20th Fighter Wing chaplain. "We give, not because we have to, but because it is who we are."