Wednesday, January 7, 2004

Marines: Thanks for tots’ toys

The United States Marine Corps Reserve would like to thank the generous citizens of Fayette County and neighboring areas for participating in the Toys for Tots Program this holiday season.

Over 600 new unwrapped toys were collected in Fayetteville during the month of December, which will be given to needy children.

The Marines would also like to thank the following local businesses for their support. The Wal-Mart in the Fayetteville Pavilion, Chambers Drum Company, Inc. of Fairburn, South Fulton Rotary Club, Iron Horse Graphics of Fairburn, Union City Hummer, T & G All Sports, Peachtree Flight Center, and Fayette Self-Storage helped out considerably. Without the hospitality and involvement of these locations, the effort would not have been possible.

The numerous toys that were collected were distributed to families in Fayette County. Also, $800 in gift cards were purchased and donated to the Department of Family and Children’s Services for families in need. These families were able to purchase toys with the gift cards. With the remaining donations, the Marines donated brand new sports equipment to the two children’s homes located in north Fayette and Brooks, Ga.

The Marine Corps Toys for Tots program is conducted by the Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, and the Marine Corps League, all over the United States. The program has helped needy children experience the joy of Christmas since 1947.

For more information concerning the Toys for Tots program you may visit: www.toysfortots.org. This site also lists drop-off sites as well as how to make arrangements to have toys picked up.

Cpl. Justin Gossett

Fayetteville, Ga.