Depot gives back to the community

By Mrs. Jennifer Bacchus (AMC)December 18, 2014

Depot gives back to the community
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Depot gives back to the community
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Depot gives back to the community
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ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Anniston Army Depot employees delivered four truckloads of gifts and bicycles to Calhoun County's Department of Human Resources office in Anniston Dec. 17. It was the culmination of the 2014 Christmas Cheer program.

The depot's 31-year history with Christmas Cheer began with assistance to depot employees - providing food for the holidays. But, employees quickly began to look outside the installation's gates.

In 1997, the program teamed up with DHR, supporting 58 children that year. This year, the installation will make the holidays happier for 192 children in DHR protective custody.

"When we left the depot today to deliver these gifts, we left behind empty rooms in order to fill hearts," said Depot Commander Col. Brent Bolander to the group of ANAD and DHR employees who assisted with the delivery.

For each child, employees gave gifts valued between $150 and $175. This means depot and tenant employees gave over $28,800 in support of the children.

Department of Human Resources case workers will ensure the wrapped gifts make it to the homes of sponsored children before Christmas Day.

"These are families in the community who need assistance in providing Christmas presents," said Maria Dresser, director of DHR. "Anniston Army Depot has blessed us for many years and without them there are many children who would be without gifts at Christmas."

Harkening back to the early days of the program, Christmas Cheer also allows depot employees to sponsor installation families.

Coworkers who experienced hardships this year and have financial needs are approved through depot leadership for participation in this program.

These installation families are anonymous to contributors -- only identified by a number and the family's situation.

This year, seven depot families were sponsored by coworkers, who provided money or purchased gifts for the family members.

"It is good to be part of a team which cares so much," said Lt. Col. Hattie Richardson, commander of DLA Distribution Anniston, a tenant organization at the depot.

CHRISTMAS CHEER THROUGH THE YEARS

• 1983: Christmas Cheer begins at the depot as a canned food drive to assist depot families in need during the holiday season.

• Over the years, many charitable organizations have been recipients of the depot's generosity.

• 1997: Sponsoring 58 children, the depot supported DHR for the first time. The number of children has grown dramatically through the years.

• 2014: 192 children sponsored.