12,000 cookies needed

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE If you like to bake cookies or make homemade Christmas cards, the annual Airmen's Christmas Cookie Collection at Minot Air Force Base needs your help. More than 12,000 colorful homebaked cookies are needed.

Anyone on base, in Minot or the surrounding area is welcome to participate, said Rebecca Sasseville, cookie chairwoman. "The more, the better. Last year we had schools from Bismarck and Wisconsin make homemade cards."

The cookie collection is an annual event to provide trays of Christmas cookies to airmen who live in dormitories on base and also for their work centers on base. Many airmen work through the holidays and will not be able to spend time with their family and friends.

Col. James Gallagher, commander of the 5th Mission Support Group at Minot AFB, said there is a 30 percent increase over last year's 673 dormitory residents. This year there are nearly 1,000 airmen living in dormitories on base.

"The annual cookie drive is an outstanding example of the greater Minot community support provided to our young airmen spread out across 17 dormitories at Minot AFB and those residing in our local area," Gallagher said. "Cookies and holiday-themed treats are provided from numerous organizations and 'bakers' for over 1,000 airmen living in dormitories, deployed out to the missile fields and those away from their families.

"This is a great way for our airmen away from home to get a taste of home cooked cookies and treats, and we appreciate all those that are involved in making it a success," Gallagher added.

"Our goal is to overshoot the 1,000 mark," Sasseville said. This way she said they can reach base airmen but "even give back to our veterans, like we were able to do last year given the greater Minot area's generosity."

The Minot AFB Officer Spouses Club is chairing the cookie collection project but many organizations, groups and individuals on base and in Minot and area help accomplish the project, which has been done for many years.

This is the second year Sasseville and Dawn Stahl have spearheaded the project, although both have been involved with it for three years.

Sasseville said the more colorful the cookies, the better. However, she noted that delicate cookies do not handle well.

For delivery to a drop-off location, it's best to have the cookies in a box with a cover or cover the box top with plastic wrap.

For those who don't find the kitchen friendly, candy canes and festively wrapped candy will be appreciated, she said.

Homemade Christmas cards are also needed, which will complete the Christmas trays for the airmen.

"The homemade cards are highly encouraged," Sasseville said. "Last year we had an overwhelming response from schools on and off base, nursing homes, individuals, churches, Boy Scouts and day care," naming a few.

She said the cards are going to airmen who live in the dormitories and won't be able to go home to their families for the holidays because of the nature of the mission at the Minot base.

The level of creativity in the cards is left open for interpretation; computer or handcrafted cards will both be put to good use, Sasseville said. "Last year some computer classes used this opportunity to practice some of their computer skills. Those with the hobby of scrapbooking and stamping contributed beautiful works of art," she said. She said they ask that the card be roughly no larger than 5-by-7 inches (8.5 by 11-inches, folded in half) because they are easier to attach to a cookie tray.

The Minot Area Chamber of Commerce has been helping with the project for about 12 years and is the city drop-off site for the cookies and other items.

Granny's Goodies in Minot is again volunteering to bake for the airmen, Sasseville said.

Others who she said are already helping with the project this year include Glenburn schools, along with base schoolchildren, making cards for the airmen, both Trinity and Manorcare assisted living have volunteered to help with cardmaking and Mothers of Preschoolers is hosting a Santa's Bake Shop on base for an all-day cooking and baking. St. Leo's Catholic Church and the Rev. Dave Zimmer have provided a small truckful of wonderful baked goods. Catholic Youth Organization will help with assembly and preparation.

"The goal is to repeat last year's success," Sasseville said.

The cookies and other items will be collected and assembled Thursday, Dec. 3, at the base, then delivered to the dormitories and the work areas.

On assembly day, Sasseville said many people help based on what is convenient for their schedules, some for 30 minutes or less to others who can donate more time. This year she said they are designating the hour from 4 to 5 p.m. for parents to share with their children the experience of giving to others.

She said the first sergeants pick up the trays Friday morning to be delivered later that same day. "As far as the work sites, Dawn and I rely on the positive support of squadron commanders to maximize the coverage in the working field," she said.

"The Christmas Cookie Drive really is a project that is based on giving from the heart. We ask the greater Minot community to give their time, their baking talent, their thoughtful worlds in cards, and their support for our airmen," Sasseville said.

"It is through this simple spirit of generosity and giving that the airmen are shown appreciation. It is because of their choice to protect and serve on our behalf, we all get the opportunity to choose to show our gratitude for them," she said.

For more information about the project contact Sasseville at 727-5005 or e-mail her at la2merchant@aol.com.

Member Comments

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degator

11-06-09 1:28 AM »Report Abuse

Thank You! My son has just recently been stationed at Minot Air Force Base. This will be his first Christmas away from home, Reading this article warmed this mothers heart. Thank you Minot, and surround towns for doing this. To know that the community around him, and other Airmen far from home care, says a lot about you. It is going to be hard not having him home, but to know he will be getting some "love" is greatly appreciated. So once again Thank You for this act of kindness, A Proud Airman's Mom

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