Altus community gives back with Mitten Tree event

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kirby Turbak
  • Altus Air Force Base Public Affairs
With colder weather in the forecast, some community members are doing all they can to make sure local children keep warm this winter. But it is not just a onetime event. Every year Altus Air Force Base and the National Bank of Commerce host the annual Mitten Tree event, Nov. 29.

The Mitten Tree event started in the early 1970’s to provide children in the local area with warm clothes including gloves, mittens, scarves and hats. The clothing is donated to Altus NBC and then distributed to the Salvation Army, Head Start, ACMI House, Project Noel and the Altus AFB Child Development Center and Youth Center.

“Something like this isn’t small when you don’t have any gloves or hats,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Todd Hohn, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander.

The Mitten Tree event not only helps others, but helps strengthen the bond between the city of Altus and the base.

“Every year we put on this event to come together and help those in need,” said Jeff Greenlee, Altus community president, NBC Oklahoma. “It’s great to partner with the base to give back to the community.”

Historically the wing has been presented a painting from an Oklahoma artist at the Mitten Tree event. This year a calendar has been made to showcase the last 12 paintings. The calendars are free and can be picked up at local NBC locations.

Anyone hoping to donate to the Mitten Tree drive can bring items to any Altus NBC location during business hours until Dec. 5, 2016.