The North Pole elves have nothing on the Exchange team at Davis-Monthan.
Associates played Santa’s helpers Dec. 17, delivering gifts and spreading holiday cheer to military families during a drive-thru stocking stuffer event.
Military children brought their holiday stockings and, from the safety and comfort of their vehicles, drove to festively decorated stations set up throughout the Davis-Monthan Exchange parking lot. Along the way, they collected toys, arts and craft items, candy and coupons for treats from the Davis-Monthan Exchange Burger King.
Alongside several Airmen and First Sergeant Council members who also volunteered to participate, Davis-Monthan Exchange associates from the main store, food court, Express, Services and stand-alone Burger King restaurant stuffed stockings during the event, which followed COVID-19 safety protocols.
Collaborating with the Force Support Squadron, it took Exchange team members less than a week to coordinate the event, which was planned to bring cheer after the pandemic forced the cancellation of popular seasonal events including the Boneyard Run and Winterfest.
“The Exchange team, working with FSS, was excited for the opportunity to bring joy to the youngest members of our community,” Davis-Monthan Exchange General Manager Mikel Hunter said. “It was another example of our associates going above and beyond to serve Warfighters and their families.”
More than 300 vehicles lined up to participate in the event, which originally was scheduled to last an hour, but was extended to accommodate the 1,200 people in attendance.
“Seeing the children smile from behind their masks was priceless,” Hunter said. “At the end of what has been a difficult year for everyone, the spirit of the holiday season prevailed.”
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