Giving thanks through giving Published Nov. 13, 2012 By Delanie Stafford 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Thanksgiving Day is quickly approaching which represents a time of year which many of us get together with family and friends to celebrate all we are thankful for. We'll play backyard football, enjoy a turkey feast and maybe even sleep it off with a long nap. These are traditions most of us are accustomed to but the cost of purchasing items for a traditional Thanksgiving meal can be difficult to achieve for the junior ranking service members who are living in the dorms or just starting a family. That's where the Thanksgiving Day Food Box program comes into play. The program, which started in 1980, is coordinated by the Air Force Sergeants Association, Chapter 984 and provides Thanksgiving Day dinner food items to Offutt members from all branches of service that can use a little assistance during the holidays. "The holiday season can be taxing on many families," says Master Sgt. Tommy Lake, AFSA member who helped coordinate this year's program. "We guarantee a Thanksgiving Day meal to those who might likely skip it due to funds shortages." Recipients are selected by the First Sergeants Council and receive a box containing enough food items for a complete Thanksgiving meal. Last year, the program provided 305 boxes to Offutt members, and program organizers hope to increase that number this year. Most of the items come from food donations made by Commissary patrons and include everything from stuffing and vegetables to cranberries and sauce. Each box also contains a 10 - 12 pound turkey that's purchased with funds received through monetary donations. Lake says the program would not be so successful without the overwhelming generosity of the Offutt and local communities, and that the recipients are always very grateful. "When they get nominated and receive a box without knowing about it or having to ask, they are extremely happy," Lake said. "It lets them know that their supervisors, Chiefs and First Sergeants are in tune with their needs and that we all really do care about the care, health, morale and welfare of them and their families." The boxes will be built and distributed Monday to the first sergeants of the recipients who will deliver them to their troops. Lake said that they are still in need of volunteers and monetary donations to help purchase more than 300 turkeys that will complete the boxes. If you'd like to volunteer or make a donation, you can contact Tech. Sgt. Joanne Parker at 294-7434 or Master Sgt. Tommy Lake at 232-3502. Donations can also be mailed to AFSA Chapter 984 at P.O. Box 13472, Offutt AFB, NE 68123.