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Pentagon First Class Association Delivers Toys to Salvation Army
Story Number: NNS121207-01
12/7/2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Demetrius Kennon, OPNAV N96

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Pentagon-area First Class Petty Officers Association (FCPOA) partnered with the Washington, D.C., Salvation Army to provide gifts for 250 children during the holiday season, Dec. 6, 2012.

Through the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program, FCPOA president Personnel Specialist 1st Class Ronita Moore coordinated with more than 300 personnel, military and civilians, each assigned to the Pentagon to sponsor a child for the season.

"I saw this as a great opportunity to give back to the community," said Moore. "With the dedication of my fellow first classes, we were able to help bring just a little bit of joy into lives of those children."

More than 6,000 children in 2,700 families in the National Capital Region (NCR) will receive gifts donated through the Washington, D.C., Salvation Army.

"Every year I'm impressed by the amount of gifts, and more so, the array of organizations we work with to help provide a Christmas for children who otherwise may not have had one," said Leslye Wooley, Washington, D.C., Salvation Army director of program services. "The military has always been involved in these kinds of projects, and it's always great to have them."

The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program matches sponsor with specific children in the NCR. The sponsor buys a gift for the children based on the child's age, gender and other information.

"I like to give all year round, but it's great to be part of something this big at Christmas time," said one of the anonymous givers.