Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Helps Local Area School Celebrate the Holidays

PORTSMOUTH, Va (NNS) -- Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) staff delivered sorely needed holiday cheer to students at Norfolk Highlands Primary School, Chesapeake, Va., Dec. 17.

Michelle Meyer, Norfolk Highlands Primary School counselor and coordinator for the school's Angle Tree effort, submitted 44 names of students who qualify for sponsorship through the program.

The annual event has become part of the NMCPHC holiday tradition and began nearly 20 years ago when NMCPHC "partnered" with Norfolk Highlands Primary School as part of the Angel Tree program.

Through the Angel Tree program, NMCPHC staff volunteer to "sponsor" needy children, donating presents every holiday season for children identified by the school.

Debra MacLean, NMCPHC staff member and coordinator for the program, has been involved with this community relations initiative since 1993.

According to MacLean, it only took six days for NMCPHC staff to claim each of the 44 names as their own.
"31 names were spoken for within the two days of receipt from the school," said MacLean. "People showed up at my desk asking for a child to sponsor within an hour of the email going out to the command."

Many of the names on the list include sets of brothers and sisters. Parents typically provide a "wish list" of needed items, including all types of clothing and shoes. Educational items and "learning" toys are also in high demand.

According to MacLean, along with a wide variety of toys and games, socks, underwear, tee-shirts and pajamas were the items in greatest demand.

"Public Health Center staff members truly enjoy the opportunity to do a little extra Christmas shopping for these children," said MacLean. "Being a 'Secret Santa' for a needy child really helps engender the Christmas spirit among our staff."

According to Meyer, Many of the children come from low-income or single-parent families and unemployment plays a major factor with many of these families who are barely able to make ends meet.

"This year, it seems has been a little more difficult for many of our families here to provide their children with a happy Christmas," said Meyer. "In the current economy, is it challenging for some parents to provide the day-to-day needs for their families, and many find it extremely difficult to provide a little extra for Christmas presents."

MacLean and a handful of other NMCPHC staff members, including "sleigh" drivers Donny Cooks and Wendy Bridges, prepared and delivered the gifts to the school Dec. 17 to ensure that parents had plenty of time to pick them up prior to the school's holiday recess.

According to Meyer, by providing sorely needed gifts for the children, NMCPHC's efforts have helped remove some of the burden off many parents' hearts.

"I am so impressed with the level of support the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center's family has shown supporting our partner school at Norfolk Highlands Primary (NHP) School," said Capt. Mike Macinski, NMCPHC commanding officer. "The children at Norfolk Highlands represent our future doctors, scientists, police officers and military members. Paying it back to our community will make a difference in young lives that will ultimately make a difference in the future."

The connection with NMCPHC does not go unnoticed by NHP faculty. "NHP truly knows that we have a strong connection with the NMCHPC staff and they show their compassion each Christmas season, by providing our children with wonderful Christmas blessings," said Meyer.

For more news from Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcphc/.