News

Airmen help homeless shelter

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Members of Dover Air Force Base, Del., donated coats, food and toys to assist a local homeless shelter during the second "Help the Homeless" campaign which ends Dec. 23.

To date, the campaign has donated 641 food items, 62 coats and 45 toys. The campaign continues to seek donations for the shelter, hoping to top last year's donation of 123 food items, 152 coats and 2,100 toys.

Senior Airman Deandre Harrington, 436th Security Forces Squadron armorer, established the campaign last year. The donations go directly to the homeless shelter and are handed out to individuals as they come in off the street.

"The shelter loves it," said Airman Harrington. "The homeless come in-and-out of the shelter, and many of them don't have coats to stay warm. This all began last year when I ran into a homeless man with no coat, and I thought to myself - what can I do to help?"

Airman Harrington said he feels a connection with the people he helps. Both of his parents were homeless, and he said he feels he has an understanding about where many of the homeless are coming from.

"They're cold and don't have a place to stay," said Airman Harrington. "I want to help them get back on their feet. Every time I do this, I think about how it could be my daughter out there on the street, and I wouldn't want her to live like that."

Airman Harrington said he was surprised at the depth of support he has received from base personnel.

"I really didn't realize how much of an impact this event would have," said Airman Harrington. "I spoke with my flight chief, who in turn brought it up with my commander, and from there it just expanded to the whole base. I am hoping to eventually make this an Air Force wide campaign."

Airman Harrington said he could not have gotten the campaign as far as it has without the help of the donators and volunteers who have assisted with the campaign. Senior Airmen Monique Yates, 69th Aerial Port Squadron air transportation specialist, Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility, District of Columbia, helped by lending her experience with volunteering to the campaign.

"This was the first volunteer request I saw when I arrived at Dover AFB for my seasonal training," said Airman Yates. "I've never volunteered at Dover before. I was motivated by knowing someone genuinely was in need and would benefit from my efforts."

Airman Yates is also the president of the McCulloh Homes Resident Council in Baltimore, Md., which is a non-profit organization to ensure the rights of public housing residents.

"Some believe that once a campaign is over the need has been met," said Airman Yates. "For me however, the immediate request is only a desired goal for that time frame. There will always be a need whenever there are individuals less fortunate. That is why I will always be volunteering and helping those who need me."

Airman Harrington said he is hoping to do another event for the homeless shelter soon.

"I am really glad to get so much support for this event," said Airman Harrington. "I am hoping it grows even bigger next year."