Bring Toys for Tots to CPRW-11

Collection boxes are setup at Hangar 1000, Building 921 and Building 506 for the toy drive that ends Dec. 20.

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during the holiday season each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

"We are setting the bar high for this year," said Bailey. "The goal of CPRW-11 is to collect 1,000 toys. If you would like to help a child have a nice Christmas, then stop by and drop off a new, unwrapped gift. Monetary donations are also welcome as sometimes the need for a specific age range is not covered. For more information please contact myself at 542-2179 xt107 or send me an email at Katrina.bailey@navy.mil."

The Toys for Tots program began in the fall of 1947 when a group of Marine Reservists based in Los Angeles collected and delivered 5,000 toys to local children. Today, Navy and Marine Corps' Toys for Tots distribution centers are located all across the country. Collected toys are distributed through local social welfare agencies and other organizations. Besides toys for young children, the program also seeks gift donations suitable for teenagers, such as hand-held video games, purses, watches and other items. With your help again this season, CPRW-11 is going to make sure that even more children will wake up on Christmas morning with gifts under the tree.

Did you know:

National Toys for Tots spokespersons have included George Strait, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Clint Eastwood and Tim Allen.

The first toy distributed by Toys for Tots was a Raggedy Ann doll.

It is one of the largest charitable organizations in the Department of Defense that reaches outside the military.

The program has grown significantly over the years with more than 37.5 million toys distributed in the past four years alone. Over 222 million toys have been distributed since the program's inception.