Team Aviano donates more than 800 presents to local Italian community

  • Published
  • By Airman Ryan Conroy
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Since Dec. 19, more than 800 donated gifts have been distributed by 31st Fighter Wing Airmen and a local motorcycle club, to children in the local Italian community.

This year, Airmen donated gifts to children, ages 3 to 5 years old, through a campaign known as 'Toys for Tots'. The donations lasted one month and were distributed with the help of the Aviano Chapter Italy-Hog motorcycle club.

Toys were distributed to the San Vito School for children with special needs and to other local Italian communities. 

The largest donation came from the 31st Medical Group, which yielded more than 200 donated toys from an annual holiday party. Members of the MDG coordinated with the motorcycle club to deliver donated toys to approximately 90 Italian children at the Aviano Azilo.

"The spirit of giving that the medical group showed was wonderful," said Senior Master Sgt. Alicia Mowery, 31st Medical Group medical readiness flight chief. "But, the best part was seeing all the smiles on the children's faces when they saw us with the toys."

The response was overwhelming, with most members bringing not only one present, but several, said Mowery, to include soccer balls, baby dolls and Lego sets.

According to Mowery, due to the tremendous success of this year's event, the medical group plans to make this an annual occurrence.

Any remaining toys are scheduled to be delivered to a local center for families in need.