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The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has been
around since 1947, with its inception in the Los Angeles, California area. The MISSION:
to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those toys as gifts to needy
children in local communities. The primary GOAL: to deliver, through a
shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will
motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and
community leaders. The OBJECTIVES: to help needy children throughout the
United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the
development of one of our nation’s most valuable natural resource – our
children; to unite all members of our communities in a common cause for three
months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign;
and to contribute to better communities in the future.
For the past ten years, on a limited basis, a few Marines from
the area have been actively helping the “KONY Radio Station” Coins for Kids
Program in the Washington County area. The Mission, Goal, and Objectives of the
Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program is emulated by what “KONY” has done with
Coins for Kids.
In February of 2007, Marine Corps League #1270 was established
in the Southern Utah area. With membership now over (80) strong and growing,
members are dedicated to helping provide service to the Southern Utah area,
community events, Wounded Warriors program, and supporting the Marine Corps
Toys for Tots program.
The Marine Corps League, a non-profit organization, nominated
and funded Retired GySgt Rick Massey, (Gunny), to attend the Toys for Tots
Foundation conference in Washington D.C. in September 2007. With this, the
Southern Utah area now has an official Toys for Tots Coordinator.
The Toys for Tots and Coins for Kids work Hand in Hand as “A
TEAM EFFORT” to support the needy children of the Washington County
area.
In addition, the Toys for Tots Coordinator is reaching out to
make contacts in Iron County and Kane County areas to help support and assist
the needy children of those areas.
Click here to visit the Southern Utah Toys for Tots Website.
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