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2011 OKC to be held at PCC
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Operation Kids' Christmas 2011 is scheduled for Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pacific Coast Club here.
OKC is an annual event in which approximately 200 local underprivileged children are brought on base and given the opportunity to play games, meet Santa and enjoy the companionship of military members.
"I want everyone to know how appreciative we are of those people involved in this year's OKC planning effort," said Benjamin Burdette, event coordinator. "We are extremely thankful for all of the help and support we've received that was needed to make this event possible. We are looking forward to making this a memorable day for all of the children."
OKC allows Team V members the opportunity to open up their hearts and give back to the people who are supporting them in countless ways.
"For the past 50 years, Vandenberg has made every Christmas special for the community that supports them," said Jared Speer, from the 381st Training Support Squadron. "This year, 200 kids will be getting tons of goodies and surprises, from action figures and school supplies to meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus. I am sure their faces will light up at the generosity and spirit that we provide."
It takes a large number of volunteers for OKC to run smoothly. However, this is an event where the volunteers are receiving more than they give.
"I decided to volunteer for OKC again this year because it is such a great opportunity for base personnel to reach out to the surrounding community and really make a difference," said Speer. "Christmas is going to be especially hard this year for the underprivileged members of Lompoc, Santa Ynez and Santa Maria, and I wanted to do my part to help make it special and memorable."