Operation Warmheart’s Ring the Bell event, which provides monetary relief to service members in times of emergency, distress or financial hardship, will come to a close on Dec. 18.

Volunteers stationed at the Exchange, Commissary, and Shoppette all throughout the day, are collecting donations to support Airmen in their most vulnerable state.

“The Air Force is our family,” said Senior Master Sgt. Regina Dockens, 23d Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant. “Through this private organization we are able to remind ourselves, along with the Airmen we’ve assisted, what family is for, and that we can be counted on in their time of need.”

Operation Warmheart is a private organization ran by the first sergeants of Moody, who empty the donation boxes twice a day. Through $25 gift cards and various events such as Operation Yellow Ribbon, which provides meals to squadrons heading out for deployments, $12k has already been given back to Airmen in just this year’s time.

“This event is important because it is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Master Sgt. Brandon Hodges, 23d Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. “The more money we can raise, the more Airmen & families we can take care of throughout the year. Operation Warmheart allows us to give out thousands of dollars in gift cards to Airmen in need.”

By using this event, first sergeants help Airmen year-round, whether it be providing a warm meal, a place to stay or emergency leave. Donations can be made anytime to the Operation Warmheart Council or another first sergeant, allowing them provide relief for the Airmen in need.

“This isn’t all encompassing and there are many unique situations we help in,” Hodges said. “When our Airmen feel they have nowhere else to turn, in many cases, Operation Warmheart and the first sergeants are there to pick them up.”