Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes staff members are sharing their love during the holiday season, making sure all children in the Great Lakes area have gifts to open on Christmas day.

Led by the Petty Officers Association, Sailors are busy collecting gifts for The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program which provides gifts of new clothing and toys to thousands of children who otherwise might not have anything for Christmas.

Well over 150 gifts have been collected for the Angel Tree Program and more are coming in daily. TSC Navy Military Training Instructors Damage Controlman 1st Class Jordan Belcher, Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Chelsie Isaacson and Naval Aircrewman Avionics 2nd Class Marvin Vargas has led the effort to meet the wishes from Great Lakes area children.

“I have always donated to Angel Tree,” Isaacson said. “It is one of my favorite Christmas-time programs. It hits close to home for me. Growing up, my father was incarcerated most of my life and my mother was a single mom. We often went through programs like these to get gifts/items we needed because my mother couldn't afford it. This program specifically worked with the prison system to make it like the inmates were providing their children with gifts. I always want to give back and to help give back to the kids, because I couldn't imagine not getting a gift on Christmas. I couldn't imagine not being able to provide for my children. These children are the future, and maybe it will impact them like it did myself growing up and they will, in turn, get involved and continue the trend of giving back.”

Isaacson was very impressed by the number of Sailors at TSC getting involved in the program. 

“I am always grateful for those who choose to donate,” she said. “It truly makes my heart happy knowing these kids will get some needs and also items from their wish list. I believe everyone who donates knows the feeling they get in their heart after doing so. It's just amazing we are provided this opportunity to give back to the community.”

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