Members of 402nd CMXG give to Christmas Angel Program Published Jan. 6, 2009 By Kati Falzone 402nd Maintenance Wing ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Each year the 402d Commodities Maintenance Group donates gifts to the Salvation Army Christmas Angel Program. This year the group more than double their gifts. On Dec. 11, the 402nd CMXG delivered Christmas gifts for 400 local children to the Salvation Army. Lead by Lisa McNeal a school bus full of toys and clothing and four pick-up trucks including a trailer full of bicycles were driven caravan-style from Building 140 to the old Big Lots on Houston Road, the Salvation Army's collection point. The need for donations was great, the Salvation Army's list of local angels increased by 50 percent, jumping from 800 to 1600. "Despite tough economic times, CMXG employees have proven once again that they understand the true spirit of giving at Christmas and the holiday season," said Herman Raiff, 402nd CMXG director. The funds raised from the dunking booth contest at the CMXG Picnic were used to purchase bicycles and helmets for 32 of the 400 angels. The employees pulled together and bought gifts for the remaining 368 children. "I could not feel prouder of our group dedication to the community for putting a smile on 400 children's faces this Holiday season then I do today. This group stands up to every challenge with we can do it attitude," Mr. Raiff said. The project was made possible by members of the CMXG Cultural Assessment Committee. Lisa McNeal coordinated with the Salvation Army, distributed the angels, organized logistics for storage and delivery, and shopped for the angels for which we received monetary donations. Scott Ankrom, Rebecca Bouffard, Faye Burke, Jordon Coody, Kati Falzone, Patti Gilbert, Cheryl Hanson, Tony Hickman, Russ Kinard, George Long, David Manfredi, Tammy Miller, Jeff Plunkett, and Alvin Simmons assisted with gift collection and/or delivery. Academy Sports in Macon gave a 20 percent discount on the bicycles and helmets to help stretch the dollar. The local families picked up their gifts on Thursday, December 18th at the Salvation Army collection point.