47th Operations Group supports clothing drive

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Angela Martin
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 47th Operations Group is holding a clothing drive here through Sept. 9 to support the Bethel Center of Val Verde County.

The Bethel Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving families of need throughout Val Verde County with clothing, food, utility payments and more.

"Last month alone, we helped more than 1,000 families by providing food and money for utilities," said Luz Covarrubias, Bethel Center director. "But for the past four months, the need was as high as 1,200 families."

Clothing collection bins are located throughout the 84th Flying Training Squadron, 86th FTS and at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Although the Bethel Center has a high need for children's clothing, they are accepting clothing all types to support the various needs of the community.

After the clothing has been collected, some of it will be donated to families in need and some will be put towards a garage sale fundraiser. The money earned by the fundraiser will be used to help families with their utility bills.

"Laughlin has an outstanding relationship with our local community and we only hope to strengthen that bond through the clothing drive," said Capt. Bobby Neumann, 84th FTS G Flight commander. "I encourage everyone to clean out their closets in support of this worthy cause."

Laughlin has a long history in aiding the Bethel Center. Volunteers regularly help with food bank distributions and fundraisers throughout the year.

The help we receive from the base is extremely good, said Covarrubias. We always receive a tremendous amount of support for the base for all of our events.

If there are any questions regarding the clothing drive, please call Neumann at (830)298-5726.