“Gallop for Gifts” raises donations for Toys for Tots

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sasha S. Horne
  • 512th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The holiday season is often filled with activities that give back to those in need.

December's base warrior run, called Gallop for Gifts, was held Dec. 18 and used commander participation and holiday cheer to collect gifts for the less fortunate.

"Each month we have a theme for the warrior run," said Mindy Rolkowski, base fitness center director. "For more than six years, the December run has been our opportunity to donate to Toys for Tots. We encouraged each participant to donate a gift," she said.

Toys for Tots is a Marine Corps Reserve program designed to collect new, unwrapped toys each year and hand out those toys as Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children.

Participation for the monthly runs fluctuates, but ranges anywhere between 300 participants in the colder months to more than 700 in the warmer months, said Ms. Rolkowski.

The event drew 366 participants. Among them, was 2nd Lt. Chris Odell of the 9th Airlift Squadron.

"I run it every month," said Lieutenant Odell, who was one of the first to cross the finish line. "It's a great run, and I enjoy it."

To foster participation and raise esprit de corps, squadron participation trophies are given out to small, medium and large units, said Ms. Rolkowski.

The small unit title went to the 436th Comptroller Squadron, the medium unit award went to the 436th Communications Squadron and the large unit award went to the 436th Maintenance Squadron.

These awards are based on the percentage of participants from each squadron and is usually calculated before the first runner crosses the finish line, said Ms. Rolkowski.

The monthly 2.96 mile warrior run can serve as both a physical challenge for service members as well as a possible way for commanders to promote unit fitness.

Over the past several years, participation has spiked 900 percent, said Ms. Rolkowski. She cited commander encouragement as the primary reason for the increase in warrior-run participation.

She added the 436th Airlift Wing commander is a firm supporter of the program, so she anticipates the run will continue to be a success.

Thanks to Team Dover's warrior run, some community children will have a shiny new toy for the holidays.