(446th AW PA) - Halloween, which is just around the corner, is a scary good time for many. What's not a scary good time is what will follow for some Reservists and their families; a bleak holiday season.

Members of the 446th Airlift Wing can brighten the outlook for the upcoming holiday season through the wing's Care and Share program.

Care and Share, operated by the 446th Airman and Family Readiness Center, provides food baskets to families for Thanksgiving and the December holidays. The program also operates an Angel Tree (Christmas Tree) program to provide gift-giving opportunities for Reservists who want to help wing families.

Care and Share is supported through donations from not only Reservists, but local communities, according to Carl Supplee, A&FRC director.

"The Military Family Day in September of each year in Lacey provides a large donation to the wing's program," Supplee said. "A grant program through Quadrant Homes also provides a large infusion of funds to the Care and Share bottom line and the USO always provides food and materials."

Taking care of our own, however, remains the cornerstone of the Care and Share program. According to Supplee, there has been a sharp increase in the use of Care and Share and the food closet.

"We have food drives, like the one going on right now, to support our Thanksgiving basket program and our food closet," said Supplee. "When donating for the Thanksgiving baskets, think of the sorts of foods you like to have at your table on Thanksgiving."

Supplee pointed out that items like ramen, while good for the food closet, are not particularly appealing for a Thanksgiving meal.

"Also, keep an eye on expiration dates," Supplee said.

What the staff of the A&FRC can use, however, are volunteers. Supplee said they need about 15 to 20 volunteers to help pack up the Thanksgiving baskets. Donations from the ongoing food drive go primarily to the Thanksgiving baskets, and the food closet, which is open year round to all members of the wing, Reservists and civilian employees. Food baskets for the December holidays are donated by the Central Pierce County Fire Department.

Airmen of all ranks from the 446th Maintenance Group work closely with the A&FRC to pick up the Central Pierce County Fire Department for distribution. They also put together and decorate the Angle Tree, located in Bldg. 1207.

Recipients of holiday baskets may be nominated by their squadron leadership, or they may self-nominate. Nominations are being accepted now until Nov. 18 at the A&FRC. For more information, call (253) 982-5330.

Photo caption: Volunteering in a past holiday season, Chief Master Sgt. Mary Smith, 97th Airlift Squadron and Carl Supplee, director of the 446th Force Support Squadron’s Airman & Family Readiness Center at McChord Field, sort through donations as they put together Thanksgiving Day food baskets for Reserve families in need.