More than 40 Airmen here recently visited a local village and gave basic necessities, donated by people throughout the world, to about 500 Afghans.

Members of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing drove seven kilometers to the village of Gadia to hand out materials including clothes, shoes, hygiene items, toys and school supplies, said Senior Master Sgt. Diana Brown, 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant.

“A warm blanket, or a sweater, can make a big difference to some of the people that live in the villages here,” she said.

“None of this could have been possible without the cooperation of those who have sent the donations and those who organized the event,” said Master Sgt. James Biggerstaff, 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group first sergeant.

Airmen assigned to the wing came together to spend three hours separating goods by gender and age into more than 400 bags. The materials were donated by servicemembers who have served in previous rotations, and by churches and other civic organizations.

“Most of the donations are sent by various organizations and groups through word of mouth after Airmen return to their home stations,” Sergeant Biggerstaff said.

“We get about 20 boxes of assorted goods per week from those who support the Adopt-A-Village here,” he said.

It’s a very rewarding experience to participate in the program, Sergeant Brown said. She encourages everyone to take the opportunity to be involved, whether it’s donating, sorting or handing out clothes.

“I was very honored to be part of the ongoing mission to improve relations with the local community and provide humanitarian aid,” Sergeant Brown said.