SAN ANTONIO – About 3,000 U.S. Air Force basic military training recruits were given a special opportunity Saturday to spread holiday cheer. The young airmen, who are typically not allowed outside their dorms, were allowed to go shopping for their families.

“I’m really glad at this time. It’s a good treat. I appreciate it. I’m not back at the dorm, doing classes or doing drill,” said Charles Andrew, an Air Force trainee. “I get to think about my family and think about what I can get for them, because this is my first Christmas away from my family and I want to get them something."

The airmen were taken to the Lackland Exchange Main Store to buy, wrap and shop holiday gifts back home to their family. There was also a DJ, a dance contest and photos with Santa.

"It was great. First thing that came to my mind was just another thing to get out of the dorms. It was exciting because I could get a lot of presents for my family and everything," said Kevin Casey, an Air Force trainee.

The event was meant to be a way to help the trainees kick off the holidays. Many are spending the season away from their home for the first time.

"It allows us to show our support for the people who are starting their Air Force careers,” Air Force Col. William Fisher said. “It’s a chance for them to shop for their families back at home, and it allows them to ship the presents back home while they continue through basic military training."

Fisher said they expect to ship out more than 6,000 packages this year.