Cookie Drive serves sweet treats during holiday season Published Dec. 10, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Christopher Tam 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Senior Leadership Spouses Committee, volunteers and the local community gathered, sorted and packaged donations of cookies for the annual Cookie Drive at the chapel so they could be delivered to Airmen living in the dorms Dec. 9. Cookie donations began arriving at 6 a.m. The commissary donated supplies such as plates and bags. The Nellis Area Spouses Club donated funding for cards placed in the bags. "We had roughly 25 to 30 volunteers at the chapel this morning, doing everything from acting as runners to accept the drop-offs, to assembling and bagging [cookies]," said Pam Langford, wife of U.S. Air Force Col. Stephen Langford, Nevada Test and Training Range commander. "But there were many more volunteers: those who gave their time in baking, and those who wrote notes and cards to the Airmen included in each package." The successful partnership between Nellis AFB and the local community was an unprecedented success during this year's annual Cookie Drive when compared to previous Cookie Drives Langford has been involved with. The local community contributed to the event by donating cookies, writing cards, and distributing the packages for the event. "I am always amazed at the magnitude of generosity I witness from the community in support of our Airmen. This was the largest response I have seen to date. We are so thankful to everyone who contributed," Langford added. The annual cookie drive is a way to show Airmen that they are thought of during the holiday season, and for some it is a way to give back. "It brings a sense of home by way of the homemade cookies and treats provided by our donors. Some say that food always tastes better when someone else makes it, especially cookies during the holiday season." said Master Sgt. Kara Barcomb, 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. "It is our hope that our Airmen know that they are appreciated and thought of during this time of the year." First sergeants and volunteers delivered cookies to more than 1,000 Airmen living in the dorms. Overall, the cookie drive received more than 15,000 cookies total. The additional cookies were distributed to units around base.
