Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif. -- The 144th Fighter Wing’s Airman & Family Readiness hosted its annual School Supply Giveaway for military families Aug. 1 and Aug. 2, 2020 in the engine shop classroom at the Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, providing over 200 unit members with school supplies.
Dorene Vierra, Airman and Family Readiness program manager said, “The school supply giveaway was a phenomenal success! Through the donations from Operation Homefront, school supplies were handed out over the unit training assembly to many thankful Airmen.”
During the last month, military volunteers picked up school supplies from Dollar Tree Stores throughout the community. The overall event was coordinated by Gail Walls, Airman & Family Readiness volunteer, and members of the 144th FW student flight assisted in the disbursement of more than 450 bags of school supplies to over 200 unit members.
“Thank you to the engine shop for again helping us to host the giveaway,” said Vierra. “The Airmen from the Maintenance Group were very supportive and helped to ensure the event was a hit.”
Operation Homefront and the Dollar Tree have joined forces for 12 consecutive years to collect and distribute school supplies for military children.
“With the current COVID-19 restrictions and mandatory distance learning for the opening of the school year, the 144th parents were grateful for the school supply donations,” said Vierra. “Many of the parents described the delight of their children upon receiving the bags of colorful school supplies. That is what it’s all about! I love that we are helping to get kids excited about learning!”