BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The holidays will taste a little sweeter for Barksdale airmen this year thanks to local sponsors and volunteers from Air Force Global Strike Command who hosted a cookie drive Dec. 7, at Chapel 2 annex to help boost dorm resident's morale during the holiday season.

Volunteers came together to assemble cookie plates, package and decorate them, while first sergeants delivered them to the dorm rooms. Each airman received a plate full of a variety of homemade cookies when they returned to their dorms that evening.

"We are trying to give the airmen a little taste of home, especially those that can't go back to their families for the holidays," said Senior Master Sgt. Derrick Grames, 2nd Munitions Squadron first sergeant.

Jessica Kelly, key spouse and wife of Staff Sgt. Patrick Kelly, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron plumber, and spent hours baking raspberry cookie bars with their one-year-old son, Jody, to help brighten the holidays for Barksdale airmen.

"I donated my time and cookies because it is what Christmas is all about," she said.

Mrs. Kelly said she hopes the drive inspires airmen to donate their time in the future.

"I want to be that person behind the scenes to make someone else's Christmas better," she said. "I hope the airmen feel touched and will someday be able to pay it forward. I think it helps teach our young airmen the joy of helping others."

Many of the dorm residents were very grateful for the homemade snacks and holiday spirit.

"It was a nice early Christmas present that I'm sure all airmen appreciate in some way - either to lift Christmas spirit or just to get some sweets," said Airman Christina Schmidt, 2nd Dental Squadron, dental technician. "It was a reminder that people do care, and even though a lot of our loved ones and family members are so far away, there are people out there watching out for our well being."

Sergeant Grames said the event wouldn't have happened without all the people working behind the scenes.

"We appreciate everyone's help and support with the baking and bagging. We literally couldn't do this without their help," he said.