Spirit of Christmas High in Guam as People Share Season’s Joy with the Needy

 Image: All rights and credits to: www.redandgreedrevolution.com

The true spirit of Christmas lies in sharing with those in need and that is exactly what the US military’s Operation Christmas Drop is all about. In its 63^rd year running, the military has air dropped 50,000 pounds of supplies including essentials such as medicines, clothes and food to islands surrounding Guam.

Bruce Best, is the volunteer who coordinates the air drops for the Air Force through University of Guam’s Telecommunications and Distance Education Operation. The supplies are dropped using two C-130s for the residents of outlying Micronesian islands that do not have power or water lines and have to do with just a solar powered radio for communication with the outside world. These islands do not even have mail delivery, access to medical supplies or food from outside their island of residence. The only access to and from the island is by boat or airdrop (lack of air strips accounts for the absence of flights). Understandable, the day of the airdrop is the biggest day in the lives of the around 20,000 residents of these islands.

Operation Christmas Drop this year will deliver 88 bundles weighing around 580 pounds each.

Meanwhile, the Sugar Plum Tree’s ‘The Big Wrap’ is wrapping up presents by the hundreds to cheer up children, adults with disabilities and the elderly, who are unlikely to receive any Christmas gifts this year. The Sugar Plum Tree started off in 1980 by donating teddy bears to the police department for children affected by violence and tragedy. Now in its 30^th year, the charity assists nearly 800 people this year and has grown to be one of Guam’s most beloved Christmas traditions.

The charity has been adopted by the Bank of Hawaii and has been stoutly supported by the community. Every December, people turn up in hundreds – families, organizations, military personnel, school clubs- at The Big Wrap to package the gifts donated by generous community members.

Days Inn, the most popular Guam hotel is proud of Guam’s Christmas traditions of love and sharing, the spirit of charity, which is the hallmark of the season!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!