A&FRC gives out school supplies

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Leon
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Volunteers put together 400 bags of school supplies, for kindergarten to college students, July 19, 2012, for a giveaway to McConnell Airmen E-5 and below at Building 338.

The school supply giveaway is held annually by the Airman and Family Readiness Center and will take place July 23 through July 27, 2012, or until supplies run out.

Volunteers will be checking identification cards for rank and handing out bags between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

"When money is tight sending kids to school is expensive," said Dennis Chrisco, 22nd Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant. "We are trying to help out by saving Airmen E-5 and below money."

On July 23, 2012 the school supply giveaway will also include McConnell's education information fair for the first time. Fifteen groups from on and off-base education facilities will be available to answer questions regarding programs in the local area.

"It would be great for families to have one location to pick up supplies and get any questions about school answered," said Kelsey Riff, 22nd FSS Exceptional Family Member Program coordinator. "It's a one stop shop for families to find out about local school systems."

Off-base school systems will include representatives from Derby Public Schools, Andover Public Schools, Wichita Public Schools, Butler Community College and Rainbows and Heartspring.

On-base programs include: School Age Youth Program, A&FRC, base library, clinic, Exceptional Family Member Program, School Liaison Officer, Child Development Center and Military Family Life Consultant.

More than $4,500 worth of school supplies will be given away.

"Putting the bags together was fun," said Airman 1st Class Sharie Fernandez, 22nd FSS services journeyman. "I'm glad to have been a part of something that is promoting the education of our youth."

For more information about the school supply giveaway, call the A&FRC at (316)759-6020.