Military community grants Christmas wishes to needy kids
Children sing Christmas carols at a holiday event in downtown Stuttgart, Germany, where the U.S. military community handed out presents to local children in need on Monday, Dec. 22, 2014.
John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
By John Vandiver
Stars and Stripes
Published: December 23, 2014
Melissa Schmidt, 6, carries away her present during a gift giving event in downtown Stuttgart, Germany, on Monday, Dec. 22, 2014. About 150 presents were provided to local needy children by U.S. European and Africa Commands with the support of the Masonic Elmer T. Hawkins Lodge 113.
John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
STUTTGART, Germany — Six-year-old Melissa Schmidt was barely big enough to carry the gift-wrapped box, but somehow she managed to lug it away.
Her big Christmas wish: a toy kitchenette.
“She’s been talking about it and talking about. It looks like that’s what it is,” her mother Katharina Schmidt said.
At Stuttgart city hall, the wishes of about 150 needy children were granted Monday during a gift-giving event led by U.S. European and Africa Commands.
Since 2006, the military community has been working with the German Stuttgart Youth Welfare Office to ensure holiday wishes are granted for underprivileged children, many of whom are drawn from the city’s immigrant community.
This year those wishes included everything from scooters and toy trucks to gift cards and clothing.
“That’s why we’re here today, to share the joy of Christmas with you,” said AFRICOM Brig. Gen. James C. Vechery, the senior military representative in attendance. “As each gift was purchased, the military family was thinking of you.”
After a couple of Christmas carols, the time came to hand out the gifts. As the children gathered around, members of the military community gave out the presents one by one. Some youngsters tore them open right away. Others said they would wait until Christmas.
Melissa, eager to find out whether her wish for a kitchenette would be granted, seemed to waver on whether to open her box straight away.
“We will see. I don’t know if she can wait,” said her mother, adding that the efforts of the military helped her this holiday season. “I’m very, very grateful.”
http://www.stripes.com/news/military-community-grants-christmas-wishes-to-needy-kids-1.320703
