WIESBADEN, Germany - Emely Unger, 5, laughed and pointed at Spc. Jeffrey Haines when her mother asked her who had given her the brand new Barbie in her lap.
It was St. Nikolaus Day at the children's cancer clinic of the University Medical Center Mainz, and Unger was one of about 15 patients to receive presents, candy and cards from U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers members.
Haines, in turn, laughed also and then gave Unger a get-well card and helped her open it. "I've had family members and friends who have had cancer, so it really meant a lot to me to hand out gifts this way," said Haines after he had left the room.
In a room down the hall, Muhammed Aldeniz, 20, was all smiles after receiving a remote-control car from the Soldiers. "It's a nice present," he said. "It made my day."
Lukas Walter, 12, his roommate, said he also liked his car. "It's nice," he said.
This was the fifth year BOSS members have distributed gifts at the clinic, said Stevan Eclavea, USAG Wiesbaden Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation BOSS adviser.
"The doctors are very appreciative," Eclavea said. "It makes the kids' day."
The Soldiers had bought gifts for boys and girls of various age ranges so everyone would receive a present that was age appropriate, Eclavea said.
When the Soldiers finished visiting the inpatient children at the clinic, they had presents left over and started giving them to out-patient children in the waiting room. Again, the children smiled and thanked the Soldiers.
"It's good to see them smile and know that people care," said Sgt. Cherita Young, who coaxed shy, 5-year-old Lavinia Moutape into taking a bag of candy from her. "Most kinds want toys or gifts or to be seen. Nobody wants to be alone."
Spc. Le Anna Chilcott held the bag of toys as the group went from room to room, and Sgt. Nicholas Titman helped her pick out toys for each of the children inside the rooms.
"I love being able to help peoople out and be able to come down here and see smiles on their faces," said Titman. "It's a good opportunity."
Chilcott said the experience was very rewarding and she enjoyed holding the bag of toys.
"I love the fact that it's not just about us, but we're able to do things like this and give back to the community," Chilcott said.
For more information about BOSS call mil 337-5042 or civ (0611) 705-5042. BOSS meetings are held every first and third Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. at the Warrior Zone in Clay Kaserne, Building 1214.
Haines, in turn, laughed also and then gave Unger a get-well card and helped her open it. "I've had family members and friends who have had cancer, so it really meant a lot to me to hand out gifts this way," said Haines after he had left the room.
In a room down the hall, Muhammed Aldeniz, 20, was all smiles after receiving a remote-control car from the Soldiers. "It's a nice present," he said. "It made my day."
Lukas Walter, 12, his roommate, said he also liked his car. "It's nice," he said.
This was the fifth year BOSS members have distributed gifts at the clinic, said Stevan Eclavea, USAG Wiesbaden Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation BOSS adviser.
"The doctors are very appreciative," Eclavea said. "It makes the kids' day."
The Soldiers had bought gifts for boys and girls of various age ranges so everyone would receive a present that was age appropriate, Eclavea said.
When the Soldiers finished visiting the inpatient children at the clinic, they had presents left over and started giving them to out-patient children in the waiting room. Again, the children smiled and thanked the Soldiers.
"It's good to see them smile and know that people care," said Sgt. Cherita Young, who coaxed shy, 5-year-old Lavinia Moutape into taking a bag of candy from her. "Most kinds want toys or gifts or to be seen. Nobody wants to be alone."
Spc. Le Anna Chilcott held the bag of toys as the group went from room to room, and Sgt. Nicholas Titman helped her pick out toys for each of the children inside the rooms.
"I love being able to help peoople out and be able to come down here and see smiles on their faces," said Titman. "It's a good opportunity."
Chilcott said the experience was very rewarding and she enjoyed holding the bag of toys.
"I love the fact that it's not just about us, but we're able to do things like this and give back to the community," Chilcott said.
For more information about BOSS call mil 337-5042 or civ (0611) 705-5042. BOSS meetings are held every first and third Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. at the Warrior Zone in Clay Kaserne, Building 1214.
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