Cherry Point gets ready for the holiday season with Angel Tree

Photo By Pfc. Nicholas Baird | Angels cover one of three Angel Trees at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C, Nov. 17, 2015. Marines, Sailors and DOD personnel may pick an angel for donation as part of the Angel Tree program at the Marine Corps Exchange, Naval Health Clinic or Headquarters Building-1. The maximum amount to be spent on a gift is $25 and angle must be brought to the MCX no later than Dec. 11, 2015. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nicholas P. Baird/ Released)  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

11.17.2015

Story by Pfc. Nicholas Baird 

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

CHERRY POINT, N.C. - The Angel Tree program has taken wing as the holiday season kicks off at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Nov. 17, 2015. With generous hearts, MCAS Cherry Point Marines, Sailors and DOD personnel are donating to fellow service members’ children by using the Angel Tree program.

“(The Angel Tree program) is an anonymous gift request and giving program run by Marine Corps Community Services at Cherry Point,” said Alisa Pappas, wife of Col. Chris Pappas III, commanding officer of MCAS Cherry Point. “It is a great program because the gift requests are submitted individually, and the gift can be tailored to what each child wants or may need. The gifts are available to children of all ages, and the eligible families are chosen by their squadron sergeant major.”

This is the third year the air station is participating in the Angel Tree program. Last year, the number of children who benefited from the program doubled from the first. Organizers hope this year will do even more.

“The Angel Tree program is organized each year by Marine Corps Community Services, but it functions solely based on the support of anonymous donors,” said Catherine Thomas, wife of Maj. Gen. Gary L. Thomas, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. “Because of the many participants who pick an angel from one of the Angel Trees, children of our service members who might have otherwise gone without gifts on Christmas are now able to receive new, wrapped gifts under their trees on Christmas morning.”

Angel Trees are located at the Marine Corps Exchange, Naval Health Clinic and Headquarters Building-1.

The Angel Tree program provides relief to parents and encourages a lifelong happy memory for their child, explained Thomas.

“Anyone with base access can choose one or more angels from the trees,” said Pappas.

Personnel who wish to participate can pick out an angel and purchase the gift listed on the angel, the maximum amount to be spent on a gift is $25. Once the item is purchased, gifts must be dropped off with the angel at the MCX no later than Dec. 11, 2015.

For more information call [phone].

• Date Taken: 11.17.2015
• Date Posted: 11.24.2015 15:37
• Story ID: 182769
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US