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Making a difference: UC, JB MDL members help those less fortunate

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bekah Phy
  • Joint Base public affairs
JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  "Mommy, Daddy - I want to help those less fortunate." 

And with that said, 7-year-old Braiden was on a mission; he emptied his piggy bank and picked out some of his favorite clothes. He was going to help those less fortunate. 

Braiden's generous donation - the entire contents of his piggy bank ($4.10) and some of his wardrobe -- went to help children in orphanages and schools in Djibouti, Africa, where many McGuire Airmen are currently deployed. United Communities, the McGuire-Dix housing privatization developer, is leading the drive with help from a former resident. 

"This project started about four months ago when Master Sgt. Andrew Henne, a former UC resident, brought the need for assistance (in Djibouti) to our attention," said Denise Bleiler, UC property manager. "Sergeant Henne did a lot a lot of work to assist UC in his role as a first sergeant ... while he was deployed to Djibouti, we kept in contact with him and when I inquired about sending him a care package, he asked instead for donations to the local orphanages there. 

"I started out making small purchases, and hitting up friends and family for children's clothing that was no longer needed, and I continued to send boxes to him on a weekly basis. Our owners heard about this and graciously supported this project - with personal donations, as well as allowing me to publish this on our Web site and in our newsletter. Chief Master Sgt. John Gillette, 305th Air Mobility Wing command chief, and Betsy Vicari, Warfighter and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant, also assisted and were able to make many donations when they have had excess clothing," Ms. Bleiler said. 

Braiden got word of the project through The Post newspaper, which ran an article about the need for donations. 

"Braiden had a desire to 'help the poor' and he told us he wanted to donate his money to help those less fortunate," said Braiden's father, Special Agent Christopher Spangler, Office of Special Investigations Det 1. "My wife and I looked into worthy charities and we happened upon the article. 

"We explained to Braiden that there were children overseas who needed clothing and supplies," Agent Spangler said. "Braiden decided that would be a great charity to donate his money to, so we gathered up some clothing that he and his sisters had outgrown, he emptied out his piggy bank and we headed off to the UC office." 

Ms. Bleiler said she was "moved by Braiden and his selfless act of giving us all of his savings and some of his own clothing to send to those less fortunate than himself. To me, this is a testimonial to both him and his parents, and how they have raised him." 

His parents are equally as moved by Braiden's generous nature. 

"I am extremely proud of his generosity," Agent Spangler said. "We've taught all of our children to 'love others as you love yourself' and to represent our faith in our daily lives. It is very humbling to see my son exhibiting selflessness in this act and it inspires me to do the same." 

Others who would like to follow Braiden's example can bring donations to the UC Leasing Office. Items needed the most are diapers, bath products, various baby supplies, infant and children's clothing (up to young adult sizes will be accepted), toys, and school supplies. All clothing should be washed before donating. 

The UC Leasing Office is located at 3700A Circle Drive, across from McGuire. For more information, call (609) 723-4290.