Children help the Marines load their 7 ton personnel carrier. Contributed photo
A beloved holiday tradition returns on Saturday December 10, when the United States Marine Corps and Toys for Tots once again hold their annual toy drive to bring holiday joy to children in need.
This community event is sponsored each year by the United States Marines and all are welcome to join in the festivities! The Marine 7ton personnel carrier, an antique fire engine, police cars and more will be on display to celebrate the holiday season.
Community members are encouraged to greet the Marines, Greenwich Police officers, Greenwich Fire Department personnel, and the guest of honor, Santa Claus!
Town of Greenwich volunteer, Jack Kriskey, who was honored with the Toys for Tots Commanders Award in 2014, said that Toys for Tots is an easy way for the community to give back to those who may be struggling during the holiday season.
“This event means so much to so many,” Mr. Kriskey said. “From preschool children just learning about charity, to grizzled vets meeting and greeting the young Marines of today. The looks in their eyes is why this event is so special to me.”
Please bring unwrapped toys or a check made payable to “Toys for Tots” and help make Christmas possible for less fortunate children.
Drop off locations on Saturday, Dec. 10:
- Cos Cob Fire House at 200 Post Road in Cos Cob from 10:00am to 12:00pm where children can meet Santa starting at 11:00 am
- Banksville Community House at 12 Banksville Rd in Greenwich from 11:00am to 1:00pm where children can meet Santa starting at noon.
For further information call Kerrin Coyle at (203) 869-4857 or Jack Kriskey at (203) 661-6021.
Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. The program was founded in 1947 by reservist Major Bill Hendricks. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity located in Triangle, Virginia, serves to fund, raise funds for, and support the program. The mission of the program “is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.” The stated goal is to “deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, and patriotic citizens.”
Email news tips to Greenwich Free Press editor Leslie.Yager@GreenwichFreePress.com
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