FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, came together Dec. 16 to embrace the holiday spirit during a Fairbanks Salvation Army toy drive.
“Having the opportunity to volunteer for this project has really been an eye opener for me,” Pfc. Thomas Andersen said. “I now see things from a different view – things that I once took for granted.”
The Fort Wainwright-based soldiers contributed more than 150 toys to the Fairbanks community during the drive.
Sharon Anderson, coordinator of the Salvation Army’s local Angel Tree program, attributed the success of this year’s program to the soldiers’ support.
“I have been working with this program for 15 years and at times it can be overwhelming, but having the support of the soldiers is a plus,” Anderson said. “It was helpful.”
More than 600 families reach to the toy drive for support during the holiday season, according to Anderson.
“Volunteering is about going above who you are to help people outside your immediate family,” Andersen said. “It’s great to show our community we care.”