Last modified Tue., November 24, 2009 - 05:26 PM
Originally created Thursday, November 26, 2009

Santa visits NEX giving tree celebration

From staff

Children from the NAS Jax Child Development Center share their Christmas wish lists Nov. 19 with NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. as they await the arrival of Santa Claus at the NEX Giving Tree.

Dozens of exuberant children from the NAS Jax Child Development Center sang Christmas songs at the NEX courtyard Nov. 19 - as they kept their eyes peeled for the first glimpse of Santa Claus - who would take his chair of honor next to the NEX Giving Tree.

NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby, along with many proud parents, applauded the children's rendition of 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town.'

"Your enthusiasm is electrifying and your singing is first rate. I wish all my other events were this much fun," said Scorby. "For all the adults here today, I must urge you to get involved with the giving tree program. You can help underprivileged children on our base when you take a card from the giving tree and respond to their dreams of a merry Christmas."

NAS Jax Child Development Center Preschooler Aericka Parks gives Santa a big hug as his Elf and her classmates look on at the Navy Exchange Giving Tree celebration Nov. 19.

On behalf of the NAS Jax Chief Petty Officer Association, CMDCM(SW/SS) Jeff Hudson presented a check in the amount of $500 to NEX Service Operation Manager Pat Schaaf, who coordinates the NEX Giving Tree program.

"This is our third year of the program and the leadership of Capt. Scorby, Master Chief Hudson, USO Director Bob Ross and others is making our 2009 giving tree the best ever," said Schaaf.

Children from the NAS Jax Child Development Center made Christmas cards to decorate the tree. The back of each card has a child's name, sex and clothing size.

On behalf of the NAS Jax Chief Petty Officers Association, CMDCM(SW/SS) Jeff Hudson presented a $500 check to NEX Giving Tree coordinators NEX Operations Manager Pat Schaaf and NAS Jax USO Center Director Bob Ross.

"We want to help bring Christmas cheer to families that need a little help this holiday season," said Schaaf, "The USO is a wonderful partner that works with commands to get the names from the ombudsman. It's a great outreach program."

NEX customers can pick a card from the tree, register their name at Personalized Services inside the NEX and purchase or make gifts for the child. The gifts need to be turned in to Personalized Services by Dec. 15.

The USO worked with all tenant commands of NAS Jacksonville through their command master chief and ombudsman. NAS Jax USO Center Director Bob Ross and his staff also deliver the presents just in time for Christmas.