Naval Academy Spreads Holiday Spirit in Annapolis

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexia Riveracorrea, U.S. Naval Academy Public Affairs

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) -- The Naval Academy Brigade of Midshipmen, faculty and staff gathered with representatives from the City of Annapolis and the Salvation Army in Bancroft Hall Nov. 29 for the 21st annual Giving Tree lighting ceremony.

Coordinated by the Midshipmen of 6th Company, the Giving Tree is set up in the rotunda of Bancroft Hall each year and decorated with paper angels, each with the name of an underprivileged child in the local community.

Midshipmen, faculty and staff have the opportunity to spread holiday cheer to hundreds of children by selecting an angel on the tree and purchasing gifts for the children represented by the angel ornaments. Last year, the Academy provided 600 gifts for children. This year, the number of paper ornaments on the tree increased to 1,000.

Each angel includes the age, gender and wish list of the child, giving the purchaser a good idea of what to buy.

"In 21 years of doing the Giving Tree program at the Academy, this is the 14th year that 6th company has been working in conjunction with the Salvation Army," said Midshipman 1st Class Kristen Tellar, event coordinator. "The Midshipmen love to participate and look forward to this event every year. I'm just so honored to be able to work with 6th Company for such a great cause."

After choosing a paper angel, the donor purchases a gift for that child and places it unwrapped under the tree. All of the donations will be picked up by the Salvation Army Dec. 12. The gifts are wrapped and distributed to the children Dec. 22, just in time for Christmas.

"It is certainly a great project because it allows us to give back to the community," said Tellar. "There are children in Annapolis who, if it weren't for projects like the Giving Tree, wouldn't have a Christmas. The happiness and joy we bring to the children represent the true holiday spirit of the season."

"The event is important to the Midshipmen and the community," said Midshipman 2nd Class Ricky Rodriguez.

"The city of Annapolis gives so much to the brigade," he said. "They support us in many ways, and to be able to do this and bring smiles to the children of the community - it's an honor for us to be a part of."