Local Marines conduct 48-hour toy drive for Toys for Tots

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Will Powell
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A group of local Marines gathered together near dinner time Dec. 8 and headed to Golden Corral, but they weren't going there for the buffet.

The Marines, assigned to Detachment 1, Motor Transportation Maintenance Company, began a 48-hour toy drive that lasted until 4 p.m. Sunday to benefit the annual Toys for Tots program.

The single event received nearly 1,400 toys and more than $4,300, according to Marine Sgt. Tommy Tillman, Abilene's Toys for Tots program coordinator.

Toy donation drop boxes are located at various stores throughout the community, but the Marines hold a 24- or 48-hour-long toy drive at a local restaurant each year to promote the drive and to make it easy for people to drop off new, unwrapped toys or money.

"This year's event blew last year's out of the water in terms of monetary donations," Sergeant Tillman said. "A lot of people showed up (to donate), despite not having many (local) stores to buy toys from."

Overall, toy donations aren't quite where they were at this time last year, he said, but the Marines expect the year to still be successful after they buy more toys with the donated money.

In 2005, approximately 27,000 toys were given out to local children, with the average child receiving three toys, Sergeant Tillman said.

"And we're trying to beat that this year," he said.

Since 1947, the Toys for Tots program has been providing deserving children throughout the nation with toys for the holidays, but Abilene's Toys for Tots program is different - all donated toys go to local children in and around Abilene.

Lance Cpl. Henry McKay, Det-1, MTM Co. automotive mechanic, said the program's direct impact on local children is the most satisfying part about volunteering his time for the program.

"Helping people like this also helps me get into the Christmas spirit," he said.

Mary Burton, an Anson resident, stopped by Sunday to drop off a bag full of toys - her second donation to the program this season.

"There are a lot of children who go without (gifts), even in Abilene, and it just breaks my heart thinking they won't have anything under their tree," she said.

Next week, the Marines will take the donated and purchased toys to the Abilene Civic Center where the toys will be distributed to prescreened families Dec. 21 through Dec. 23.

But the Marines' work isn't over when they drop off the toys.

"We'll be there, too," said Gunnery Sgt. Todd Parks, maintenance chief. "Marines push the shopping carts with the recipients, and we help bring the toys out to their vehicles."

All the Marines agreed that this is just one way they can show their appreciation to Abilene residents for their ongoing support of the military.

"We receive such great support from the local community throughout the year, so we are honored to be a part of a program that gives back to the community," said Sergeant Tillman. "We hope we can continue to do better and give back even more every year."