ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla.-- On Dec. 11, 2020, leaders from the 97th Air Mobility Wing delivered bags of cookies to Airmen living in the dorms. This was part of the base’s annual Operation Cookie Drop, which is held to improve morale during the holidays.
On the days leading up to delivery, community and base volunteers dedicated their time baking and buying cookies to be packaged and delivered. This year, more than 7,400 cookies were donated to the event.
“It is so important to let our Airmen know that they are thought of and cared for during the holidays,” said Charise Leard, a 97th AMW key spouse. “Many of them will not be able to go home to visit their families, and we want to do whatever we can to give them a little feeling of home and holiday cheer. Our goal is to bring a smile to their faces, let them know that we care, and that they are appreciated.”
Leard said the cookies were dropped off in disposable containers at the chapel and packaged in zip lock bags, with gloves and masks to ensure safety. After all the cookies were gathered and packaged, First Sergeants and other leaders picked up the bags and delivered them to the dorm residents of their squadron who may not be able to make it home for the holidays.
“My favorite part is handing off the cookies, hoping it will brighten the holidays for our Airmen,” said Amy Tarnowski, a 97th AMW key spouse. “It’s a great feeling to see their smiles and how excited they are about the cookies. We hope they feel the love baked in to each cookie!”