JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Over 1,800 people attended the 10th Annual San Antonio Military Children’s Holiday Party, hosted by HOPE Worldwide, at Kelly Field Annex here Dec. 9, 2017.
Col. Lee Flemming, 502nd Air Base Wing and JBSA deputy commander, provided opening remarks and thanked the volunteers as the event would not be possible without them.
Santa’s helpers, who were volunteers from Hope Worldwide, distributed nearly 900 toys to Department of Defense children.
Families were able to take photos with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and his elves, who arrived in a 502nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire truck.
Also in attendance was Olaf, one of the Minions, and the Grinch who not only mingled with the participants, but also dance Zumba with the children.
“It was my first time going to anything like this and I thought it was really cool and sweet,” said Jessica Lawrence, mother of one and spouse of Staff Sgt. Elbert Parks, 390th Cyberspace Operations Squadron cyber warfare operator. “The character were really cute and I really liked how Santa arrived on a fire truck. (The event) was very impressive.”
Other activities included face painting, crafts and numerous games.
“We had a great time,” said Tech. Sgt. Jessica Lester, 502nd ABW chaplain assistant and mother of two, adding that their favorite part of the event were all the different games.
“It was great,” agreed Staff Sgt. Jorge Vanegas, 834th COS and father of three. “My favorite part was spending time with the kids at the games.”
“There were a lot of people who gave time to make this happen,” He added. “I am really grateful for the volunteers.”