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AFDW ships holiday cheer

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Members from across the Air Force District of Washington gathered together here Nov. 19 to complete a project months in the making, one designed to bring smiles to the faces of those from the unit who will not spend the upcoming holidays at home with their families.

The AFDW members packed the commander's conference room to help fill boxes with items covering every inch of the large conference table including snacks, drink mixes and items selected to bring a touch of the holidays to the deployed person's entire office.

As holiday music played in the background, AFDW volunteers examined photos of the deployed Airmen hanging above each care package box. Some of photos featured deployed AFDW Airmen and civilians in uniform while others included cheerful faces surrounded by family members.

Annette Bonaro, AFDW unit deployment manager, coordinated the care package donation drive and packing event as she has the last five years.

"Each item in the package is selected for a reason," she said. "During the holidays there are several items that will keep them busy and also allow them to share the holiday spirit with others."

Every person Bonaro deploys from AFDW receives a quarterly care package. She has already begun coordinating the spring themed care packages for deployed AFDW Airmen, some of who have not even departed to the area of responsibility.

"Everybody sends the standard stuff," she said. "I like to theme these care packages for upcoming holidays. Some people dread the holidays while they are deployed and this helps spread the holiday spirit."

For information on how to contribute, contact Bonaro at (240) 612-4486 or visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/CARE-Package-Central/126949817413050?ref=br_tf.