Top 3 'delivers' for local welfare center

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  With the help of base volunteers, the Kadena Top 3 delivered a truck full of supplies to a local donation center in Chatan Town Sep. 17.

Master Sgt. John Bell, a coordinator for Top 3, said the organization set the goal of raising non-perishable food and supplies for about 80 needy families under the care of the Chatan Town Social Welfare Council. They not only met their goal; with the help of around 200 volunteers, they more than doubled it with roughly enough goods to support 200 local families - around 3,000 pounds of supplies.

"We didn't expect to get so much," said Mitsuyuki Nakamura, Chatan Town Social Welfare Council chairman. "We were beginning to run low on items to give families."
Helping out the local community also builds good relationships between Okinawan residents and U.S. servicemembers, said Sergeant Bell.

"What we're trying to do is open the door so we can get more involved with the local community," explained Sergeant Bell. "I want to build a good rapport with Kadena, and we'd like to just make it a better living environment."

The welfare council encompasses 11 districts in Chatan Town. Each district conducts a survey with the local residents to determine how many families are having difficulties.

"Some people including Chatan Town residents have had financial difficulties," said Mr. Nakamura. "Each district has around 10 families, leading to at least 100 families that we're giving items to."

The council expects to deliver all donations by New Year's Eve.