The Airman & Family Readiness Center kicked off the annual Angel Tree event, a donation drive which raises gifts for children of Moody Airmen, Nov. 27, here.

Each year, community members pull ornaments from the Christmas trees located at the Base Exchange and the Freedom 1 Fitness Center with a child’s description and their desired gift, and purchase the gift to be given anonymously.

 “Our community has always been one of giving, and I think that’s the whole concept behind the Angel Tree; taking care of our own, and supporting one another through the good times and the bad,” said Peggy Beauvais, 23d Force Support Squadron AFRC flight chief. “You might not know the child that you’re helping, but it doesn’t take away from the value of giving and supporting another military member.”

The event helps support these military families in need by relieving some of the holiday shopping stresses.

“I was a single mother in the military, so I know what it’s like to try and make things work for the holiday, especially when you don’t have a lot of money coming in,” said Windy Scott, AFRC family support coordinator. “This event alleviates some of those stressors for the families to be able to have at least some Christmas gifts under the tree.”

The donation drive will run through Dec. 15.