Global Positioning Systems Wing Celebrates the Holiday by Bringing a Smile to a Child' s Face

Published Dec. 10, 2007
By LaTonya Lofton-Collins
GPS Wing

Los Angeles Air Force Base -- On Dec. 7, the GPS Wing celebrated its annual holiday party at the Gordon Conference Center. In attendance were GPS Honorary Commander Mayor Mike Gin of Redondo Beach; William Maikisch, SMC Executive Director; Douglas Loverro, SMC Incoming Executive Director; and Gunnery Sgt. Gerardo Bentancourt, and Sgt. Jovan Aguilar from the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation.

Every year, the GPS Wing sponsors a charity. This year's charity was Toys for Tots. The foundation helps needy children experience the joy of the Christmas season by providing toys to children throughout the United States. Combined with providing toys, the foundation strives to send a message of hope that will restore and build self-esteem and inspire youngsters to grow into responsible, productive and patriotic citizens and community leaders.

Col. David Madden, GPS Wing Commander, presented monetary donations and toys collected from the Wing to the Marine Corps representatives at the party.

"On behalf of SMC we are pleased that our support and contributions will help bring smiles to the children of our community," said Col. Madden.

So far, Toys for Tots has locally collected 6,000 toys with requests for more than 30,000 toys. Individual contributions enable the foundation to deliver toys and uplift the spirits of children, who otherwise might be forgotten. By donating an unwrapped toy or making a monetary contribution will help bring a smile to a child's face this holiday season. The GPS Wing has helped the Los Angeles Air Force Base contribute more than 150 toys.

There is still time to donate, the GPS Wing will continue to collect toys until Dec. 21. Collection boxes are located in Bldg 271 and the BX.