BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- As Airmen we all have a duty and a part in protecting our nation. But there is service all of us can offer to our local communities in addition to our roles in national defense.
Tech. Sgt. Tatiana Cookingham, a production controller in the 117th Maintenance Squadron, volunteers her time to local charities in the Birmingham area to help those in need. On most Mondays she can be found working at a local community kitchen serving food. Those who use the assistance provided by the kitchen benefit from her generosity of time and compassion. Cookingham receives something back as well.
“The relationships are special in that they are so different from person to person,” said Cookingham. “Whether it’s keeping up with someone on their job search and informing them of potential possibilities or even keeping up with someone’s health problems. It truly is a community.”
While working in the kitchen earlier this month she found an opportunity to help homeless people get items they need. She collected donated items from an on-base collections point and delivered them to a charity.
“The charity I gave the items to go in to homeless camps and distribute the items,” said Cookingham. “Among items that are in most demand are toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, wipes and sanitizer.”
Anyone interested in donating goods to the program can bring their contributions to Cookingham. She plans to do monthly drop-offs toward the end of each month and will even pick up items from anyone interested in contributing. Cookingham encourages anyone interested in serving meals or participating in delivering donated items to contact her in order to get information.