MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan - The phrase "it is better to give than to receive" is used often during the holiday season, but Misawa Air Base is helping put the notion in play as the Red Feather Community Chest Campaign begins.
The campaign, which allows base personnel the chance to give to those in need, runs from Dec. 16 to Dec. 30, and contributions will be given to the Misawa City Red Feather chapter. Contributions as small as quarters are accepted, and all are encouraged to participate.
"All our donations from this campaign will help the less fortunate children, elderly and handicapped folks in Japan," said Tech. Sgt. Mark Wakefield, campaign volunteer, 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "This is the only goodwill-type organization in Japan. It's a lot like Red Cross or the Salvation Army."
Campaign stations and volunteers can be found throughout various places on base to include the Base Exchange, commissary and shoppette. Even children of the Misawa community are participating in the event.
This week, Cummings Elementary School is hosting a coin drive, and the collections will go towards the community chest campaign.
"We're going to throw either a pizza party or an ice cream party for the clas0 which collects the most money," said Airman 1st Class Morgan Navarro, campaign volunteer, 13th Fighter Squadron.
According to Walker, there is no better time of the year than now for caring gestures like the Red Feather Community Chest Campaign.
"I've been pretty fortunate and lucky throughout my life," he said. "There are a lot of people out there who don't get to experience that. With the holiday season and the spirit of giving, hopefully, we can give back to the Japanese community, which supports us here."
Upon donating, contributors are given a red feather, which is a symbol for courage and good conduct.