425th ABS, NATO members reach out to local children's hospital

  • Published
  • By Tanju Varlikli
  • 425th Air Base Squadron Host Nation Advisor
Izmir, Turkey --  425th Air Base Squadron and NATO service members, along with local volunteers from the Izmir civilian community, reached out to a local children's hospital in Izmir by handing out toys to more than 163 children between the ages of 3 and 17 in a joint effort to spread hope and holiday cheer Dec. 21, 2012 and Jan. 1, 2013.

"This outreach was a great chance for all of us to bring the holiday cheer to those who are most eager to embrace it," said Capt. Carlos Diaz, 425th Air Base Squadron director of operations. "A lot of people volunteered their time to get this important outreach program done. The visit was quite an occasion for the children as well as our community members. The support received from Team Izmir members for this project has been phenomenal and overwhelming."

The community prepared for over two months for the outreach, collecting more than 1,000 gifts that were delivered to 163 children. 52 volunteers from the Izmir community gave around 307 hours of time for the purchasing, wrapping and delivering gifts.

Upon arrival at the children's hospital, visitors were greeted with smiling faces in the hospital wards as they interacted with their guests. When the children opened their gifts and saw the toys presented by military members, there was an inexplicable expression on their faces -- a sign of joy that lifted their morale in hard times at the hospital.

"Several children, who were healthy enough to walk, followed the gift giving entourage through the hallways of the hospital spreading the cheer to other children," said Chaplain (Capt.) David Merrifield, 425th Air Base Squadron installation chaplain. "One child, whose leg was recently amputated, spread toy tractors across his bed immediately upon receiving them and began playing with his dad who was overwhelmed with thankful gratitude. These were extraordinary days and I am touched by the response of all who took the time to do this for these children. This is a memory I know will go with these service men and women who gave so generously for years to come wherever they are assigned around the globe."

Many said they were moved by the importance of the outreach program and grateful to be part of such a rewarding experience.