Toys For Tots - 2010

We had spent time at the annual Toys For Tots distribution and as usual, it was a bunch of work.

This is a program the Marines put together in an effort to help needy families by providing them with toys so that their children can have something special on Christmas morning.

It all starts off at 7:00 AM on a Saturday morning. Breakfast was provided in the dining area.

Next, we fanned out to our assigned areas to look over the setup and familiarize ourselves with the layout.

It might look like the warehouse is full, but we noticed that there wasn't as much in the building as there had been in previous years. It's obvious that everybody is feeling the financial pinch this year.

This is the 'Girls 3-to-6 Years-Old' table. There are probably 20-25 boxes loaded with items for this age group, which is heart-warming to see.

At the table we were working at, 'Girls 7-to-10', there were about 8-9 boxes that we had to work with.

But at least, we had something to work with. At this point, we were watching the opening ceremonies with the military color guard.

The flags were positioned, the pledge of allegiance is proffered, then we wrapped up the proceedings.

A wider view of the warehouse area. And by the way, Gwen from work came out too and she will be working in the books section way over there, on the far side.

There she is, next to the girl in pink, looking for an appropriate book as a gift for her child.

Meanwhile, things are really moving at our table as we try to match a toy to the parent's statement of what their child's interests are. At the same time, we were constantly looking through all of the items we had available, trying to find the perfect toy on the shelves.

At this point, things are winding down as Gwen and co-volunteer Kim sort through what books they had left, to help get things ready for the next group of volunteers. We all made it through our shift, and we hope there will be enough toys left to fulfill the needs the rest of the visitors...

The whole time we were there, it was something of a madhouse, but the look on some many of the parents faces where they realized that they would be able to provide a Merry Christmas for their children after all, made it worth it. If it wasn't for the people that donated the toys in those Marines Toys For Tots drop-off boxes located throughout the Tampa Bay Area and the hard work of the Marines, the tears and happy words we experienced would not have been made possible. So, if there is any way you can help out to make Christmas possible for others, please do what can. PNext year during the holiday season, please make an effort to drop off a new, unwrapped toy (or two) in a Marines Toys For Tots box to help make a needy family's Christmas Day all the more happy for your efforts.

Thank you...