MCB HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- 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.