Tacoma, Wash. – Members of Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 35 brought hope to a class of third grade students at Christensen Elementary School Dec. 15. With many of the students families living below poverty level and many having a family member serving in Iraq, two members of Flotilla 35 decided to help.
At their own expense, Auxiliary members Pat Warnaca and Pat Taylor purchased Christmas card and candle materials so the students could create special cards for their parents.
Many of these students will not receive any money to purchase gifts for their parents and expressed joy over being able to create their gifts.
“It is truly a fulfilling experience which is why we do it every year,” commented Taylor.
Every year, Auxiliary members take toys and food to unsuspecting people with the deliveries being made by Santa and Mrs. Claus so they can remain anonymous.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is composed of uniformed, non-military volunteer civilians who assist the Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation’s waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing Maritime Domain Awareness patrols, safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated as the Auxiliary in 1941. Its 35,000 members donate millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard missions.
