Defense Logistics Agency employees supported their local communities during the holiday season by participating in multiple charity events.
"Once again, the DLA family has been extremely generous in donating toys, coats, clothing and other basic items for those less fortunate than us during this holiday season,” Mae DeVincentis, DLA vice director, said.
DLA Headquarters employees at Fort Belvoir, Va., participated in the Adopt-a-Family Program, Toys for Tots Program, 2012 Walk In Their Footsteps Campaign and a coat donation drive.
Headquarters employees helped 36 families celebrate the holidays through the Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family Program and assisted 91 children.
"I have worked with many chapel and church-giving programs over the span of my military ministry, and to the level of generosity, the giving of people in this headquarters far exceeds them all,” DLA Army Chaplain (Col.) Carl Young said. “It was an absolutely amazing experience.”
DLA Headquarters employees also assisted children through the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Program. More than 700 toys were collected at the agency headquarters.
“The program is important because it shows the caring and giving nature that we as Americans have,” said Marine Corps Master Sgt. Derrick Washington, DLA Logistics Operations Marine Team material readiness superintendent. “It gives us a chance to help the less fortunate and to aid in ensuring that most kids will have something to smile about on Christmas.”
DLA Headquarters personnel found a way to give back to veterans in the community through the 2012 Walk In Their Footsteps Campaign, which ends Jan.10. About 40 pairs of new shoes and boots for homeless veterans have been donated through the campaign. The shoes and boots will be distributed to homeless veterans Jan. 21 at the Washington, D.C., Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
“DLA supports the troops while they are serving, and it’s important to continue to support them when they’ve left the service,” said Hettie Homes-Carter, DLA Human Resources Corporate Recruitment and Operation Warfighter program manager.
Another charity DLA Headquarters employees participated in was a coat drive that collected more than 370 coats, gloves and other winter apparel for local adults and children.
“DLA is truly an organization with a true sense of gratitude for what we have as well as recognition of those among us who suffer at this time of year for lack of the most basic human needs,” DeVincentis said.
DLA primary-level field activity employees also gave to charities during this holiday season.
Employees at DLA Distribution in Susquehanna, Pa., participated in the Toys for Tots Program and collected more than 350 toys.
DLA Distribution employees at Red River, Texas, collected 49 bicycles, three tricycles, 178 big toys and 95 stocking stuffers through the program. They also participated in the American Red Cross’ Holiday Mail for Heroes. Employees purchased more than 400 Christmas cards for past and present warfighters.
DLA Disposition Services employees at Red River gave more items to the Toys for Tots Program in 2011 than ever before, along with collecting nonperishable food items, officials said.
“It’s a great feeling to know that DLA Disposition Services Red River was a part of such a giving event for families in the local communities,” said Gail Brown, DLA Disposition Services area manager.
DLA Disposition Services, DLA Logistics Information Service, and DLA Installation Support team members in Battle Creek, Mich., participated in the Adopt-a-Family Program. The employees adopted 103 families, which included 144 children and 18 veterans in the area.
“I am blown away by the giving back to the community,” Twila Gonzales, DLA Disposition Services director, said. “This is very rewarding to see.”
Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and Defense Supply Center Richmond employees found a way to give back and help lift the spirits of veterans at Hunter-Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center Dec. 13 with a holiday meal, gift bags and a visit from Santa.
DLA employees purchased, prepared and served a meal that included turkey, ham, side dishes and several desserts for more than 250 veterans and hospital staff.
“It gives us an opportunity to give a little something back to these guys who sacrifice so much,” said Carl Finnie, a strategic acquisition product specialist with DLA Aviation. “We have such a great crew that comes back every year and they just love doing this, so as long as I’m here I’ll keep doing this.
The veterans’ positive feedback keeps DLA team members coming back every year, he said.
“These types of outreach efforts are especially important during the holiday season,” said Darlene Edwards of the Hunter-Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center Public Affairs Office. “I love that DLA Aviation employees do this every year. DLA employees and retirees are incredibly supportive of our patients and the medical center.”
DLA Troop Support employees in Philadelphia hosted their annual holiday party for local kindergarteners and first graders Dec. 15.
More than 145 students from Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, along with their teachers and chaperones, participated in the party, which included colorful characters, food and fun.
“I am always in awe of the generosity of the DLA Troop Support workforce,” said Janeen Poulson, a DLA Troop Support public affairs specialist. “They gave gifts and donated their time and talent so that 145 students would have a great holiday.”
One volunteer said she believed DLA Troop Support employees’ morale is boosted when they extend themselves to the community.
“We may not have money to help people, but we always have time,” said Beatrice Ross, DLA Troop Support customer operations customer support liaison.
Editor’s note: Portions of this article were contributed by DLA primary-level field activity public affairs offices.