NAS Lemoore Sailors, Marines Help with County Holiday Program

HANFORD, Calif (NNS) -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore Sailors and Marines partnered with deputies from the Kings County Sheriff's Office for the annual Christmas for Kings program Dec. 14-18.

"We're providing more than 100 families with food and toys for the Christmas season," said Sgt. Jeff Torres, a Kings County deputy.

This is the second year personnel from the installation assisted deputies by wrapping presents, packing food boxes and delivering it all to underprivileged families throughout Kings County.

"We couldn't do this without the help of Navy and Marine Corps personnel from the base because we have to keep most of our deputies out patrolling the streets," Torres added.

Ten Sailors from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125's First Class Petty Officers Association and five Marines from the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit volunteered to help.

"There are a lot of rewards in helping out with the Christmas for Kings," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Troy Rawson of VFA-125. "Seeing the expressions on the kid's faces when we bring them presents, building camaraderie with the deputies and just having fun is what the holidays are all about."

When the Kings County Sherriff's volunteer group Citizens on Patrol began Christmas for Kings in 2002, three families benefitted from the program. This season, 116 families were surprised with food boxes and presents for the kids. A Citizen on Patrol volunteer who has been with the program since the beginning said he admires the military personnel who pitch in to help.

"What a wonderful bunch of young folks who are serving their country but still have the time and desire to help others," said volunteer Jim Highfill. "We all get tears in our eyes when we deliver food and toys to families that may have otherwise gone without."

For more news from Naval Air Station Lemoore, visit www.navy.mil/local/lemoore/.