JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
More than 5,000 cookies were donated to this year's "Operation Cookie Drop" and were distributed Dec. 16, 2015 at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. to active duty service members who work overnight shifts.
Operation Cookie Drop is an annual event hosted by the Team Charleston Spouses Club.
"Our goal was to collect 3,000 cookies and, with help of people all over the joint base and the local community, we were close to doubling last year's totals," said Kristen Neukom, TCSC president and spouse of Senior Airman Kyle Neukom, a member of the 14th Airlift Squadron. "Thank you to all who donated and made this year's event possible."
Ten members of TCSC assembled assorted cookies onto platters to be distributed to the Air Base and Weapons Station.
"Last year we focused on handing out the cookies to single service members. This year, we wanted to focus on those who work during the night while many of us are in the comfort of our beds," Neukom said. "Our vision was to spread holiday cheer and put a smile on the faces of those service members who help protect our nation."
Jaclyn Petersen, spouse of Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Petersen who is a member of Navy Nuclear Power Training Unit, said this was the first time she participated during Operation Cookie Drop.
"It is exciting to be part of an organization which gives back to service members," Petersen said. "We hope they enjoyed the small token of appreciation for all of the hard work they do."