Otis' Airman and Family Readiness Center begin arranging events for upcoming holiday season

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Patrick McKenna
  • 102nd Intelligence Wing Public Affairs
OTIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. --  This time of year brings out a range of emotions in people of all ages. Excitement at what gifts you'll be receiving. Stress from figuring out how to go gift shopping without going broke. Joy in watching football after Thanksgiving dinner. Anxiety about the in-laws coming to visit.

With the holiday season in full swing, servicemembers and their families have a range of programs available to them to help offset some of the worries unique to this time of year.

Here at Otis Air National Guard Base, the Airman and Family Readiness Center along with the Coast Guard chaplains and the installation's MWR office have resources and events scheduled these next several weeks to address some of those worries.

"Servicemembers requiring food assistance on Thanksgiving can receive help through the Coast Guard chaplain's office," said Erin K. Creighton, the 102nd Airman and Family Readiness program manager. "It relieves a lot of stress off families and makes sure families can celebrate Thanksgiving with a little more comfort."

Additionally, this year's children's Christmas party is scheduled for Dec. 8 here at the Aerospace Dining Facility. Like last year, Operation Homefront aligns with local businesses where people can go and pick up items to donate. Last year, gifts were put in goodie bags for the children's Christmas party.

Volunteers are needed to help with decorating, filling goodie bags, helping to set up and leading activities with the children.

For people interested in volunteering at the Christmas party, contact Erin Creighton at 508-968-4855.

For information on other programs beneficial to servicemembers, dependents, retirees and veterans, you can also contact the base MWR, which provides services to all branches and other eligible recipients, at 508-968-6479.