Team Pete 5/6 Club collects toys for local children’s hospital

Published Dec. 13, 2016
By Staff Sgt. Tiffany DeNault
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Team Pete 5/6 Club continues its second year collecting toys for patients in the cancer ward at a local children’s hospital.

The toy drive is scheduled to end at noon Dec. 19.

Due to the toys going to a cancer ward, there are some requirements for the donated toys.

“Some stipulations are the gifts need to be new, unopened and, due to sanitary conditions, no stuffed animals because we need to ensure proper sanitization with those items,” said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Echelmeyer, 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering NCO in charge and 5/6 Club president.

The wish list from the hospital includes, but not limited to: popular children’s DVDs, playing cards, medical play kits, coloring books, mind teaser games, search-and-find books, sensory toys, etc.

Last year, Team Pete was able to collect approximately $1,000 worth of toys for the Pediatric Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's Hospital Colorado, he said.

“The donations continue to show Team Pete being good stewards, fostering relationships within the community,” said Echelmeyer. “Being able to reach out to the local hospitals, specifically the children’s hospital, to provide toys showcases the generosity of the members of Team Pete and the true nature of the holidays.”

The gifts are scheduled to get to the children’s hospital before the holidays. However the need for them extends beyond the holiday season.

“It benefits children in the cancer ward and they need toys not only for the holiday season but also throughout the year while they are receiving treatment,” said Tech. Sgt. Kira Waller, 21st Contracting Squadron NCO in charge of the medical section. “The toys go to younger kids and to teenagers as well.”

The group is planning on increasing the toy drive to twice a year, once in December and again in July.

The 5/6 Club is a professional development organization and resource for NCOs to get involved in the base and community, and to become better leaders in the U.S. Air Force.

If you would like to donate, email the 5/6 Club council at peterson56@us.af.mil.