Toys sought for needy kids

[thedrifter]

Toys sought for needy kids
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification Number: 200311221785
Story by Lance Cpl. Monroe F. Seigle



MCB HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(November 21, 2003 ) -- Christmas is right around the corner, and in keeping with the season since 1947, Reserve Marines will once again look out for underprivileged across the country.

They will ensure these children have something under the tree when they wake up on Christmas day.

Locally, Marines from 4th Force Reconnaissance Company aboard MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, will open their hearts by collecting toys from those wishing to brighten a child's life in the state of Hawaii.

Over the years, Marines have established close working relationships with welfare agencies, churches and other local community agencies that are qualified to identify needy children in the community, and which play important roles in the distribution of the toys.

While Toys for Tots coordinators organize the campaign, its ultimate success depends on the local community and the generosity of people who are willing to donate toys to children.

Toys are usually collected until Dec. 22 and are distributed on Dec. 23 and 24.

As members of the community drop off new, unwrapped items in collection boxes - which will be positioned in local businesses - coordinators will pick up them up and store them in warehouses where they are sorted by age and gender.

Last year, more than 65,000 toys were distributed to children all around the state. In 2003, 4th Force Recon looks to surpass that total.

"We have never failed our mission of meeting the children's needs on Christmas," said Gunnery Sgt. Richard Stampp, maintenance management chief for 4th Force Recon. "It is possible for us to continuously reach our goals because of the giving spirits of service members who volunteer in collecting toys, along with businesses and civilians in the community who are also willing to help."

There will be drop-off points throughout Hawaii at every Bank of Hawaii, Long's Drugs store and Subway restaurant.

The Marines from the 4th Force Recon also invite all to the annual Toys for Tots Campaign Kickoff at Pearlridge Center, the mall in Pearl City, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Nov. 22. Each person who brings new, unwrapped gifts for underprivileged children will receive a ticket for a free ride on the Pearlridge Express Holiday Train.

Shoppers and contributors can also enjoy a live musical performance by "Island Entertainment" during the mall kickoff.



The 4th Force Reconnaissance Company's Toys for Tots campaign will officially kickoff at the Pearlridge Center in Pearl City, Hawaii, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. The Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, reservists hope to surpass last year's goal of 65,000 toys for underprivileged children in the state. Photo by: Courtesy of the Toys for Tots Program

http://www.toysfortotsharley.com/



http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...2?opendocument

Sempers,

Roger

[thedrifter]

Best Buy donates thousands for tots at Missy Elliott event
Submitted by: New York Public Affairs
Story Identification Number: 2003112514313
Story by Cpl. Beth Zimmerman



NEW YORK(November 25, 2003) -- One day before Missy Elliott's newest album hit stores across the nation, Best Buy presented a check for this year's Toys for Tots program during Elliott's listening lounge event in New York City yesterday.

More than four hundred teens packed the Canal Room in downtown Manhattan and danced and sang along to Elliott's previous albums inside the crowded room off of West Broadway. Dance contests, a fashion show and Elliott's new album preview combined with the gift of giving to start the holiday season.

Teen People Magazine and Best Buy organized the free event for teenagers to see Missy Elliott the day before her album, "This is Not a Test," hit stores. Best Buy also used the opportunity to promote their "Toys for Teens" program, which they run in conjunction with the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program.

"Having Missy Elliott already on board... brings us in contact with four or five hundred teens this afternoon, all of whom have been asked to bring gifts if they desire to participate in the launch of this program," said Hanley.

In between a series of dance contests and Elliott's appearance, Best Buy presented $350,000 to the Corps for this year's Toys for Tots toy drive. Best Buy's support for Toys for Tots, though, did not end there.

"In addition to making a donation, we have gift collection bins in each of our nearly six hundred stores...and for the first time this year, our customers have the opportunity to make a cash donation at the register," said Stacy Hanley, Director of Community Relations for Best Buy.

Marines from 6th Communications Battalion in Brooklyn, NY, collected toys for children and teens at the door. The Corps benefited from having so many teens learn about the program.

"The audience we really want to reach out to are the young men and women of this country," said Maj. Gen. Jack Bergman, Director of Marine Corps Reserve Affairs. "Everybody really understands the spirit of helping those in need...and the young men and women who are here today are the future of our country."

Missy Elliott introduced tracks from her new album to her audience, along with a live version of her "dutch dance." She also told the teens that life isn't just about material wealth. Hanley said she hoped they remembered that advice through the holidays.

"For each teen out there that's expecting and will probably get a nice holiday gift, there are one or two that won't get anything," she said.

"We want them to know there's a way that they can help those teens, and that Best Buy and the Marines are working together to make sure all of those teens get at least one nice gift this year."



Maj. Gen. Jack Bergman, Director of Marine Corps Reserve Affairs, speaks to teens at the Missy Elliot listening lounge event in New York City. Best Buy presented Toys for Tots $350,000 at the event. Photo by: Capt. Alison Salerno

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...1?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger

[Doc Crow]

This is probably the Greatest PR the MArines get and it is for a wonderful cause