12/04/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CKNf7wsgL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Saturday, Dec 6, 0800-1200
Bagging of toys. We are getting close to wrapping up 2025! Now’s your time to contribute!
"I put on my dress blues tonight because a celebrity donated a bike to Toys for Tots and wanted to capture a photo of a kid receiving it from a Marine in uniform. The little guy was so thrilled he couldn't even look up while his mom took the picture. What a cute kid!
But then, my night took an unexpected turn. I was in Preston County, West Virginia, one of the poorer areas of the state. I had several families who couldn’t afford the gas to make the hour-long trip to my distribution center in Clarksburg, so after the bike photo, I ended up delivering to three more families in the county.
In my eight years coordinating T4T campaigns, I've had only a handful of experiences that created lasting memories. The thank-you Christmas cards, hugs from teary-eyed parents, and homemade ornaments from grateful kids… I’ll never forget those moments. Tonight, in my shiny dress uniform, I pulled into the driveways of homes you wouldn’t expect to see in a wealthy nation. I stepped out into the mud and was met by families who were so thankful I hadn’t forgotten them and made the trip for them. I shook the rough hand of a tired dad who was grateful for the small bag of toys I handed him for his little girl. It was such a precious experience to connect one-on-one with the people this program helps and put a face to the name.
But as I drove away, I couldn't help but feel my eyes start to water. In the smile of that weary dad and grateful mom, I saw my own parents. I saw them 20 years ago. And I felt terrible that I couldn’t do more for those parents I met tonight. I didn’t expect to be so moved today… but I was truly humbled by those families and reminded of what Toys for Tots is all about. I’m so grateful for the chance to give back, and I’ll keep striving to keep people safe, comfortable, and happy. I encourage everyone to lend a hand to others. The rewards are greater than you might think.
The Marine Corps is well-known for its warfighting abilities… We never back down. Poverty is a different battle, but I’ll keep fighting until I don’t have to meet any more families in muddy driveways."
