Team XL fighting hunger

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ariel D. Partlow
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin launched the 7th annual Feds Feed Families campaign early July to help feed hungry families in the surrounding communities.

The Feds Feed Families Food Drive Campaign was created by the Defense Commissary Agency to give commissary customers and government employees the opportunity to donate non-perishable items to the local community's food banks.

The campaign will continue until August 31 when the final weighing of donations is scheduled to take place.

"So far, Team XL has collected more than 5,500 pounds," said Maj. Derek Flynn, 87th Flying Training Squadron assistant director of operations. "We are almost half way to our goal of 12,000 lbs and having the highest amount of Food Drive donations that Laughlin has ever had."

Last year, the Air Force donated more than 200,000 lbs. to food banks in military communities. Laughlin alone donated over 10,400 pounds to Loaves and Fishes, and "we hope to do even better this year!" Said Flynn.

Members of Laughlin have always been a part of helping the local Del Rio community. Between the Feds Feed Families Food Drive and the Running with the Bulls 5k Food Drive, the local food bank has been able to feed over 10,000 local individuals in 2014 from those donations alone.

Recommended donations include canned foods, condiments, baking goods and hygiene items.

"Donations are very much appreciated and help us feed needy families right here in our local community," said Tech. Sgt. Ruth Salender, 47th Comptroller Squadron NCO in charge of financial services.

Collection points are established around the installation, including the Wing Headquarters, the Base Exchange, clinic and commissary.

To donate virtually, see the Department of Defense instructions and be sure to report donations (by weight) to Maj. Flynn at derek.flynn@us.af.mil.