Toys for Tots turns 10 in the Marianas

Marines with Marine Corps Activity Guam, along with members of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, pose for a photo during the Toys for Tots kickoff on Saipan on Oct. 3, 2019. This is the third year Toys for Tots has partnered with the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and Saipan Young Professionals.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)

DEDEDO, Guam—The Marines of the Marine Corps Activity Guam are proud to announce, for the 10th straight year, the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is now underway in the Marianas.

For the fifth year in the CNMI and 10th year in Guam, toy boxes were being delivered to participating organizations and businesses last week to begin the annual nationwide toy drive.

“Every year since the program began in the Marianas we’ve had a record setting year, and for the 10th year we are hoping for it to be even more successful,” said SSgt. John Ewald, assistant Toys for Tots coordinator, Marine Corps Activity Guam. “Seeing the happiness in children’s faces when they receive a toy for Christmas reminds you every child deserves to experience joy this time of year.”

Last year over 8,000 toys were collected in Guam and more than 2,000 in the CNMI, all going to children in Guam, Saipan, Rota and Tinian.

While Toys for Tots is coordinated and organized by the Marine Corps, the ultimate success depends on the support of the local community and the generosity of the people who donate toys.

“Marines have a saying that we take care of our own and we are proud to be a part of a community that shares this same value,” said Col. Bradley Magrath, officer in charge, Marine Corps Activity Guam. “We are appreciative of the partnerships that continue to make this program successful year after year.”

If you would like to donate to Toys for Tots it is as simple as dropping a new, unwrapped toy to one of the many businesses or organizations who have volunteered to be drop-off locations.

A complete list of locations in Guam can be found at the Marine Corps Activity Guam Facebook page, @USMCGuam. For a list of locations on Saipan, contact the Saipan Young Professionals by email at administrator@saipanchamber.com.

Toys for Tots, a 72-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community.

Last year the Marine Toys for Tots Program fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 7 million less fortunate children in 800 communities nationwide. Since 1947 over 258 million children have been assisted. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org. (PR)

Marines with Marine Corps Activity Guam start collecting toys at the kickoff of Toys for Tots in Guam on Sept. 26, 2019. This is the 10th year of the Toys for Tots program in Guam.

Marines with Marine Corps Activity Guam start delivering Toys for Tots boxes to local businesses that have signed up to help collect toys across the island. This is the 10th year of the Toys for Tots program in Guam.