DEDEDO, Guam -- Sailors assigned to submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) brought a little holiday cheer to the children participating in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program, Dec. 19.
The event was a collaboration between Sailors assigned to Frank Cable's Second Class Petty Officers Association, a women's welfare league, Soroptimist International Guam, and organized by Vanessa Estella, an executive director of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
"Frank Cable approached us a couple of months ago about wanting to do some kind of community service and wanting to spread some holiday cheer by giving some presents out, and I thought that would be a really good idea," said Estella.
According to Estella, the neighborhood where these children live is one of the most impoverished places on Guam, stating that some homes do not even have running water or electricity. She said even most locals do not know about this place, and that it was important to raise awareness.
"Having Frank Cable come out and get a different perspective of what island life is like, and let the kids know that they are not forgotten is very important, especially this time of the year."
The event kicked off with women from Soroptimist bringing in food for the kids, such as fruits, vegetables, meats and cake for dessert. Shortly after dinner, Sailors arrived with gift bags purchased with money from SCPOA fundraising events and care packages donated by USO Guam. Items in the gift bags included school supplies, sports equipment and toys, all of which the Sailors hoped would encourage the kids to stay in school and allow for constructive ways to spend their free time.
"It's always good to give back to the community," said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Luigi Cuzzi, SCPOA vice president. "I wasn't this privileged my whole life. So now that I have something to give, I'd like to give back to those who don't."
Cuzzi, himself, was in Big Brothers, Big Sisters and said that it is wonderful program designed to help kids who may need guidance and strong mentors to follow.
"There are a lot of kids who sometimes don't have a role model in their family, and it's a great opportunity for you to make a positive influence on him or her," said Cuzzi.
Frank Cable's primary mission is to conduct maintenance and support for submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
