The East Valley Marines donate their time to distribute toys on Christmas Eve as part of the Toys for Tots program.
Denise Lott
Continuing their tradition of giving, East Valley Marines of Detachment 1296 headed out on Christmas Eve to some of the lower income housing areas along Chandler Boulevard. What was different this year than in the past was that the afternoon was dominated by heavy rain showers.
Pickup trucks were loaded with 24 boxes of toys before the rain set in. At each stop, children and their parents were eagerly waiting outside. Upon the arrival of the detachment, blue tarps were spread out in the center of the projects and toys, sorted for girls and boys, were spread out. Children approached and were each able to select several toys each from the array.
Although Marines and associates were pretty well soaked, the toys were all given out, and many children left with grins and happy chattering.
The East Valley Marines have been active participants in the Toys for Tots program for many years. For some of the group involved, this is the most heartwarming day, as they are directly involved with the recipients and so can see the results of their weeks of efforts to collect these gifts. Over 20 detachment members donated their time on this Christmas Eve to help this toy delivery happen.
East Valley Marines welcome new Marine members and associate members. Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month, 7:00 p.m. at the Oakwood Country Club. To learn more, visit the website at www.eastvalleymarines.org.