US Marines, embassy officials bring cheers to kids in NCR

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27): US Marines, embassy officials bring cheers to kids in NCR

Celebrating the season of giving, the members of the United States Marine Security Guard Detachment stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Manila together with the United States Embassy Club (USEC) recently distributed over 2,100 pieces of toys to children in the National Capital Region. In a release, the gift-giving event is in line with the Toys for Tots program. Thousand of toys collected from the U.S. Embassy community and participating local businesses were distributed to children in 17 different orphanages and charities throughout Metro Manila.

The US Marines annually support said program in the United States. The Marines here in Manila decided to carry on the tradition of giving gifts to underprivileged children. For this year, the Marines teamed up with the charity arm of the U.S. Embassy Community to extend their reach for the gift-giving program. “Our goal was 1,000 toys this year, well beyond what has been done in the past. We were happy that we received over 2,100 toys,” said Gunnery Sergeant Waltman. He also thanked those who donated toys for the children.  “We have now seen how large an impact we can make with the Toys for Tots program. Next year, we hope to have even more children involved,” Waltman added.

Meanwhile, USEC President Dustin Bradshaw also thanked the people and local businesses who donated toys for this cause. “The response was overwhelming. Many businesses were excited to help benefit the children in Metro Manila during this holiday season,” said Bradshaw. In addition to the toys collected from the U.S. Embassy Community, United Airlines, Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Hyatt Hotel, InterContinental Manila, Voltage Electrical Contractor Corporation, P&G Philippines, Holiday Inn & Suites, and RCG Global Services also donated gifts.

The Toys for Tots program began in 1947 wherein a group of U.S. Marine Reservists collected toys and distributed them to children. The group’s mission is to collect toys and give them as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children across the globe. (U.S. Embassy, Manila-Public Affairs Section/RJB/JEG-PIA NCR)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=241356588519