Volunteers from Naval Air Station Patuxent River were among the group of people busily unpacking, sorting, and displaying donations in the George Washington Carver Elementary School cafeteria Dec. 2, in preparation for the school's annual Holiday Helping Hands event the following day.

Nearly 15 personnel from NAS Patuxent River were present to help spread holiday cheer.

The event was conceived a number of years ago after a conversation between Lisa McCoy, parent liaison, and former Carver Principal Annette Wood.

"We were having a discussion about some of our families, and how we had noticed that many of them were struggling more times than normal to find a way to provide a holiday for their children," McCoy explained. "That's where it all started."

Now in its fifth year, Holiday Helping Hands is designed to give those families an opportunity to provide that happy holiday by transforming the school's cafeteria and gym into a "store" where parents in need of a little extra support can select from an assortment of items donated by school staff, parents, and the community.

"It includes new toys and items, as well as gently-used household items, toys, bikes, and clothing; and there is no cost to the families," McCoy said. "We set up the store of new toys and items in the gym, and the gently used items in the cafeteria. We have several local businesses that have adopted our school and go shopping for this event. It's not a publicized event, but it has grown every year with the help of our community partners and word of mouth."

Seaman Bryce Williams coordinated eight volunteer Sailors from Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 4, who showed up at 3 p.m. and stayed until the work was finished.

"I chose this event because I love to give back some way, somehow to struggling families, because I've been there myself," Williams said. "For me, I get this amazing feeling knowing I can help put a smile on a child's face, especially at Christmas. Sometimes the children themselves don't realize the struggle and pain their parents are going through."

Petty Officer 2nd Class Lyle Hewitt, with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21, tries to help out in the community as much as possible. The Carver event seemed like a good opportunity to help those less fortunate this time of year.

"With the base being such a big part of the [surrounding] community, it'd be nice to see more people come out and volunteer for these types of events," Hewitt noted. "A lot of us get into our own life's routine and forget there are a lot of people out there who struggle on a daily basis."

Volunteers returned the following day to help the families shop, wrap their gifts, and assist them in loading their vehicles.

"We helped 65 of our families, each with at least three children, and they're always overwhelmed at the generosity of others," McCoy said. "This program is heartwarming not only for the families who are helped, but also for the staff, community partners, and volunteers who make it what it is. We cannot thank everyone enough for their generosity, and we hope to continue this program for years to come."

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