Peterson, Schriever Air Force Base’s support military community with clothing swap

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jared Marquis
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Spouses of commander's at Peterson and Schriever Air Force Bases worked together to collect and distribute free clothing to the military community at the Peterson Youth Center on April 23.

The bases take turns organizing the annual clothing swap, which is hosted on Peterson. This year, Stephanie Thien, whose spouse is Lt. Col. John Thein, the 25th Space Range Squadron commander at Schriever, was the primary organizer of the event.

"This is really exciting," said Mrs. Thien. "It is way bigger than we imagined."

The group started organizing the clothing swap approximately two months ago, said Debbie Schiess, wife of Col. Doug Schiess, 21st Space Wing commander. They began identifying collection points for donated clothes and coordinating approval letters for the drop off locations.

"It's really a great event that shows we support each other," she said. "We are all in this together."

Volunteers began collecting items approximately a month prior to the event. On the day of the event, anyone with access to Peterson was encouraged to come out and pick up the donated clothing. Selections ranged from newborn through teenager with maternity clothes and a toy per child also available.

"We are definitely pleased with the turnout," said Schiess. "We want families to know what resources we have available on base and take advantage of them." 

Peterson and Schriever AFB continue to be active in the local community and spouses from around the community, and different bases, work together on numerous philanthropic events for military members and their families.

Thien said any leftover clothes would be donated to the Peterson Thrift Shop and Hope & Home, a Colorado Springs Foster Organization.

"We do this as outreach to the community," Thien said. "A lot of these children show up to the foster home with only the clothes on their back. This is a way we can help them."

This event is one of several dedicated to the Month of the Military Child. Previous events include Kids Understanding Deployment Operations and Eggstravaganza.

 

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