Luke Airmen visit children at nursery

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason Colbert
  • 56 FW/PA
PHOENIX, Ariz. --  A group of Luke Air Force Base Airmen and dependants visited children at a nearby crisis nursery Feb. 27.

Members of the 56th Fighter Wing Chapel organized the trip to the Children's Crisis Nursery in Phoenix. The volunteers consisted of both active-duty Airmen and dependants from across the base. The group, headed by Chaplain (Capt.) Carlos Brito, 56th FW Chapel Protestant chaplain, has visited the nursery several times since November 2009.

"The children get someone who cares," said Chaplain Brito. "They get love, attention and a sense of value. A lot of these kids are from broken homes. A lot end up in the foster care system. Some children have been there their whole lives."

The nursery, a haven for children being sheltered, also acts as a day respite for some families.

"The children get hands on, one-on-one interactions they may be missing," said Pat Beasley, Children's Crisis Nursery community outreach manager. "These visits also help the community to get to know us."

The children aren't the only ones who benefit from the visit. The lives of the volunteers are touched as well.

"We are giving back to those less fortunate" said Senior Airman Robin Myers, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle dispatch. "It's something I want to continue to do. It's always good to see a child smile."

Chaplain Brito agrees that the benefits go both ways.

"People leave there changed" he said. "This is something that gives back to those who give."

The chapel is currently taking donations for delivery to the nursery. Donation items range from diapers to shoes and toys, and everything in between.