TAMPA, Fla. – The Armed Forces Families Foundation (AFFF), a charity organization helping military families in the southeast U.S., unveiled a newly completed playground facility for families stationed at MacDill Air Force Base on Monday, Nov. 7.

The $47,534 neighborhood project replaces an aging structure that was removed earlier this year and is equipped with two slides, two rock walls, a net climber, challenge ladder and tunnel.

The new installation is located in the Heritage Cove neighborhood, which has 94 homes for military families and is easily accessible for all 572 active duty families stationed on base. These families represent all major branches of the military, including the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines Corps and Coast Guard.

AFFF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides 100 percent of the funds raised back to the development of permanent or semi-permanent infrastructure projects to help military families.

“We are so proud to present this new playground to the many military families stationed at MacDill Air Force Base,” said Thaddeus Foster, a member of the board at AFFF. “A new playground was the most requested item from families participating in an annual survey, and when we learned this we knew we had to help.”

To date, the Armed Forces Families Foundation has raised and given back more than $1.3 million to benefit military families. Recent projects include:

• $54,000 to refresh and renovate the USO center at Tampa International Airport
• $40,000 renovation of the six-lane bowling alley at the Charlotte N.C. VA medical Center
• $39,000 to build a Family Housing Game Room at Moody Air Force Base

On Nov. 2, AFFF kicked off their annual fundraising campaign, which spans nearly 300 participating franchise Taco Bell and IHOP locations across the southeast U.S. So far, this year’s campaign has raised more than $217,000. The campaign lasts through Nov. 22 and gives diners wishing to support military families the option to purchase a paper icon for $1 or more. At IHOP, donors receive a coupon for a free stack of three buttermilk pancakes, while at Taco Bell, donors receive a coupon for a free soft or crunchy original seasoned beef taco. The coupons are good for their next visit and are available while supplies last.
Funds raised through this campaign stay in the community where they were raised will go towards local projects that support the families of those serving in military. For a list of participating locations, click here.

About Armed Forces Families Foundation:

The Armed Forces Families Foundation (AFFF), together with participating Taco Bell restaurants, are proud Supporters of America’s Armed Forces and their families. The ARMED FORCES FAMILIES FOUNDATION with its Taco Bell partners have raised over 1.3 MILLION DOLLARS. 100% of every dollar raised goes toward projects to help those who protect our Freedom. For more information, please visit http://www.armedforcesfamilies.org/

-30-