thedrifter
11-26-08, 07:32 AM
The tough go shopping
By Stacy Moore
Hi-Desert Star
Published: Wednesday, November 26, 2008 1:22 AM CST
YUCCA VALLEY -- Camouflaged and combat-booted, the United States Marines tackled a different kind of mission Tuesday afternoon: an $18,000 shopping spree at Wal-Mart. The young men and women were working for the Marine Corps Reserves’ Toys For Tots program. “We get to get off base and come shop for the kids,” explained Pvt. Madeline Guzman, who is stationed in Twentynine Palms but comes from Connecticut.
They stuffed baskets to overflowing with toys under the direction of Reservists whose main job is ensuring a happy Christmas for all children through the Toys for Tots program. With rising unemployment rates, their mission is more important than ever this year, said Cpl. Cesar Alvarado, from New York.
“I think it’s going to be extra special this year, giving the kids something to unwrap,” Alvarado reflected as he and fellow Reservists Lance Cpl. Jon Perez, from Yuma, Ariz., and Lance Cpl. Daniel Gomez, from Texas, surveyed a line of full carts.
Using money donated from the Marines and local organizations, the Reservists spent $18,000 Tuesday at Wal-Mart, which sold the toys tax-free and at a 10 percent discount, said Assistant Manager Mindy McFarland.
The Marines aren’t finished yet: Alvarado said a foray to Toys R Us is coming up.
For information on how to help or be helped by Toys For Tots, go online to
www.toysfortots.org.
Ellie
By Stacy Moore
Hi-Desert Star
Published: Wednesday, November 26, 2008 1:22 AM CST
YUCCA VALLEY -- Camouflaged and combat-booted, the United States Marines tackled a different kind of mission Tuesday afternoon: an $18,000 shopping spree at Wal-Mart. The young men and women were working for the Marine Corps Reserves’ Toys For Tots program. “We get to get off base and come shop for the kids,” explained Pvt. Madeline Guzman, who is stationed in Twentynine Palms but comes from Connecticut.
They stuffed baskets to overflowing with toys under the direction of Reservists whose main job is ensuring a happy Christmas for all children through the Toys for Tots program. With rising unemployment rates, their mission is more important than ever this year, said Cpl. Cesar Alvarado, from New York.
“I think it’s going to be extra special this year, giving the kids something to unwrap,” Alvarado reflected as he and fellow Reservists Lance Cpl. Jon Perez, from Yuma, Ariz., and Lance Cpl. Daniel Gomez, from Texas, surveyed a line of full carts.
Using money donated from the Marines and local organizations, the Reservists spent $18,000 Tuesday at Wal-Mart, which sold the toys tax-free and at a 10 percent discount, said Assistant Manager Mindy McFarland.
The Marines aren’t finished yet: Alvarado said a foray to Toys R Us is coming up.
For information on how to help or be helped by Toys For Tots, go online to
www.toysfortots.org.
Ellie