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Caper 'elves' collect cookies, deliver to Hickam Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alexander Martinez
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  Hickam and local community volunteers took a brief break from the daily grind Dec. 3 to become Cookie Caper "elves," collecting dozens upon dozens of cookies for this year's drive.

The Cookie Caper program solicits donations for freshly baked cookies from base and community members. Caper "elves" then collect and sort the cookies in holiday-themed bags which are distributed to base Airmen.

"This year has been surprisingly effortless when it came to collecting cookies," said Senior Master Sgt. Lori Shackleford, the 15th Medical Operations Squadron superintendent, and co-organizer of this year's drive. "We didn't really have to reach out to people to donate cookies because so many people wanted to support this great cause."

"It's very important to give back to the Airmen, and everyone here is so thrilled to help and support the [15th] Wing," said David Falls, the Hale Koa Hotel assistant general manager.

Falls joins seven volunteers for the event from the Friends of Hickam civic leader organization, and collectively, the organization collected over 92 dozen cookies.

"This is why our organization exists," he said. "If people join Friends of Hickam, it's because they are dedicated to the Airmen."

Delivery after delivery, volunteers were accepting boxes full of cookies of all shapes, sizes and recipes.

"Throughout the year, the Hickam Enlisted Spouses Club tries to find ways to give back to the community, and personally, I love baking cookies, so this is great," said Kristianne Swanson, the 15th Wing Enlisted Spouses Club president.

Col. Terry Scott, the 15th Wing vice commander, said this event is always a great morale booster for Airmen.

"It's so important to give our Airmen a bit of home away from home, and this event does just that," Scott said. "To our volunteers and cookie donors, thank you for your contribution. Your efforts mean so much to the Airmen."

For one Hickam member and cookie donor, Cookie Caper brings back fond memories of when she was an Airman living here in the dorms.

"When you have no family here with you, it's nice to know the rest of your base is your family and they take care of you," said Cynthia Stine, 647th Force Support Squadron testing control officer. "Now today, I have the capability to give back to the Airmen and let them know I'm thinking of them."

In total, the event collected 16,176 cookies, benefiting more than 1,300 Airmen.