Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's airmen got the chance to be Santa for some of the state's neediest foster kids Thursday.
"It brings a smile to my face to help these little kids who are in need," said Master Sgt. Raymond Gills.
Over 100 foster families received gifts donated by the community, delivered in uniform by the men and women of the 388th fighter wing.
"It's definitely for a good cause," said Staff Sgt. Rick Shonder. "And we have our own kids. and we know that there's a lot of folks out there that are having some unfortunate times so whatever we can do to help out bring some happiness to others."
Nikki Mackay with the Utah Foster Care Foundation said that there are many foster families in the state who have a hard time during Christmas, especially if that have taken in two or three foster kids.
"We're trying to support foster families. they guve a lot of their time and they give a lot of their money to care for the kids of their home," she said.
Gill said this is the second year he's delivered presents to foster kids at Christmastime, and he hopes he'll be doing it again next year.
The Utah Foster Care Foundation partners with local organizations to gather donations, and then military men and women, as we all student athletes from Weber State deliver the presents right to the children's front door.
"The support that the community gives really means a lot to know that they're not alone in doing this and people are there to help," Mackay said.
