TCM service members spread holiday cheer to local orphanages

Published Dec. 29, 2012
By Tech. Sgt. Rachel Martinez
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan -- Service members from the Transit Center at Manas demonstrated the "Season of Giving" to the local Kyrgyz community this month.

The Transit Center held a holiday toy drive and joined efforts with the U.S. Embassy Bishkek's U.S. Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" to benefit more than 350 children and three orphanages in Bishkek.

"The Kyrgyz people are kind enough to have us here in their country; we just want to say thank you by helping the kids," said Tech. Sgt. Lamount Goodwin, 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron flight chief and one of the organizers of the Transit Center's toy drive. "A lot of service members came together to do a good deed and help out the local kids around the holidays."

Beginning in mid-November, toy drive organizers began to put the word out on the Transit Center toy drive. Collections were taken up in various units and a donation booth was set up at Pete's Place, a popular morale location. In just about a month, nearly $8,000 was raised.

"Our initial goal was $5,000, but we ended up with a total of $7,966," said Goodwin. "It wasn't just Air Force, it was Army, Navy, Marines -- everybody was in the holiday spirit. Once we explained what we were doing and that it was for the children, we had people donating $100 to $150 at a time. Everyone wanted to help and give back to the community."

With money in hand, service members worked with their Kyrgyz colleagues to identify orphanages in need. Three orphanages were chosen, including one that takes in mentally and physically challenged children. Transit Center troops also coordinated to determine the needs and wants of the orphanages.

Toy drive volunteers visited multiple marketplaces in Bishkek to purchase various educational and fun toys. Purchases included dolls, soccer balls, electronic games, puzzles, remote-controlled cars and building blocks. Volunteers also purchased hats, gloves and socks for each child. Additionally, one orphanage received new bed mats for all the children.

"We wanted to get what they needed, but we also wanted to get them some toys," said Goodwin. "I don't care what country you are from - kids are going to be kids and want toys."

More than 50 volunteers, including wing leadership, Transit Center service members, the U.S. Embassy Bishkek's Deputy Chief of Mission, and embassy staff, gathered a few days prior to Christmas to wrap all the presents. All the toys were delivered by volunteers between Christmas and New Year's Day.

Belovodski Preschool Orphanage in Karabalta was one of the chosen orphanages. More than 70 children between the ages of 3 and 7 were on hand at the school when the Transit Center volunteers visited and passed out the toys.

"Today is a special day and all the kids are very excited," said Alena Albertovna, the assistance principal at the Belovodski Preschool Orphanage. "People from the Transit Center have been coming here for years. We can't imagine our lives without the support from the Transit Center."

Many of the volunteers who helped deliver the gifts said they enjoyed the event just as much as the children.

"Not being able to physically interact with my own children this holiday season was hard for me," said Tech. Sgt. Maria Simpson, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing regional equal opportunity director. "Although when I saw the joy that came on the faces of the children in the orphanage it made all of those feelings of being sorry for myself dissipate. I was filled with joy to be able to fulfill their holiday season with the unexpected surprise of the gifts and interaction."

"It will be a memory that I will hold close for a long time," she said. "I do believe that this opportunity impacted me as much as it did them."

For more photos of the toy drive, view the slideshow here.