Photo By Tech. Sgt. Andrew Kleiser | Tech. Sgt. Jameson Liggett, 126th Operations Group boom operator, at Scott Air Force...... read more read more
The 126th Operations Group of the Illinois Air National Guard at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, has quietly been conducting a toy drive each December since 2013 in support of St. Louis Children’s Hospital. However, this year they were less effected by deployments and participation exploded!
Major Steven Olson, Director of Operations for the 126th Operations Group, initiated the toy drive after experiencing first-hand the struggle and emotional toll a parent experiences while their child receives care at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
“It’s one of the most difficult experiences families can ever go through,” said Olson.
While many parents are out Christmas shopping for their children, parents at Children’s Hospital are spending time bedside watching over their child. Olson felt the need to do something, so he brought the cause to his fellow airmen in the Operations Group and their response was overwhelming.
“It’s really cool to see the group come together and show so much compassion,” said Olson.
The 126th Operations Group is one of the largest donors of toys to Children’s Hospital. Over five thousand dollars in toys was donated this year, but more importantly, that’s hundreds of smiles that will be shared throughout the hospital
“It’s not about us. It’s about giving to the families,” said Olson. “It’s about the kids.”
Olson, along with fellow pilot Lt Col Mark Ladwig, and boom operator TSgt Jameson Liggett delivered the toys to the hospital on Tuesday, Dec. 20 where they were greeted by volunteers to help unload the toys.
“The opportunity to deliver toys on behalf of the Operations Group to the Snowflake Village program was a great honor and I was more than happy to be able to do it,” said Liggett. “We have an extremely generous group that didn't hesitate to donate toys or their time to the St. Louis Children's Hospital.”
| Date Taken: | 12.21.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 02.23.2017 14:35 |
| Story ID: | 224516 |
| Location: | SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 66 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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