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Kaiserslautern Military Community first sergeants held a voluntary commissary bagging event in support of Operation Warm Heart Nov. 22 and 23 at the Ramstein Commissary.
Another event, the “Ring A Bell” campaign, will run the next two Saturdays and Sundays. Operation Warm Heart is a program where all the funds go right back to the KMC. The first sergeants purchased $17,500 worth of commissary gift cards to give to Airmen and families in need for Thanksgiving to help pay for their holiday meal.
Master Sgt. David Delgado, 83rd Network Operations Squadron, Detachment 4 first sergeant, said the money is for anyone in need.
“We’ve provided relief for those who have suffered from fires, active-duty deaths or something as simple as not being able to pay an electric bill,” he said. “It’s a very discreet operation done through the first sergeants. It doesn’t matter if you’re active duty, retired or civilian.”
Operation Warm Heart does not discriminate on military affiliation. The person’s rank or paycheck also doesn’t matter. Anyone in need of financial assistance can seek help through first sergeants.
“Sometimes our pride can get in the way, and we don’t want to be recognized as needing assistance,” Delgado said. “That’s why I like the discreet nature of Operation Warm Heart. I don’t need to know who you are or why you are in your situation. I just need to know if you need assistance.”
By donating, people not only help their community in tougher times, but if they end up in a tight budget situation themselves, they can benefit.
“One day, you might be in need,” Delgado said. “Operation Warm Heart will be there.”
One hundred percent of the proceeds from both the commissary bagging event and the “Ring A Bell” campaign go to KMC Airmen and families. Last year’s “Ring A Bell” event raised $16,000 for the KMC.
For more information or to volunteer for the “Ring A Bell” campaign, call 479-2317 or 06371-46-2317.
