Photo By Lance Cpl. Peter Sanders | Daiki Miyara waits to open gifts donated by Marines with 3rd Intelligence Battalion at...... read more read more
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ONNA, Okinawa - The holiday season is often filled with family gatherings, gift exchanges and feasts.
A group of Marines brought that cheer to residents at a local home for children.
Volunteers with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, delivered personalized gifts to children recently at the Nagomi Nursing Home for Children in Kin Town.
The participants purchased and labeled the gifts to each individual child, ensuring everyone received at least one present specifically selected for them.
The event was the first of its kind for the Marines, organized primarily by Sgt. Christopher P. Bissonnette, an imagery analyst with the battalion, who was inspired by the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program.
“Getting the legalities and logistics right was a definite challenge,” said Bissonnette. “But at the end of the day, it was all worth it.”
Other participants agreed the children were deserving of all the effort they put into the day’s event, according to Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez, an intelligence specialist with the battalion.
“These children don’t have (traditional) families like we do, so we wanted to share the joy our families bring us with them,” said Sanchez. “As Marines, we see each other as family, and in a way these children are like an extended family. Seeing the happiness on their little faces makes the time we (volunteer) more than worthwhile.”
The Marines donated time and presents to the children, but the event was much more meaningful than those two elements, according to Sanchez.
“Events like this are fun and, most importantly, I know I’m making a difference,” said Sanchez. “These children will remember this for the rest of their lives.”
Many of the children and residents of the home found the experience just as rewarding, according to Haruno Mimura, a student at the home’s associated school.
“This was a very important and emotionally rewarding experience,” said Mimura. “It brought the Marines together with us to help show these children the real spirit of the season.”
Even though the event was tailored toward the children, the holiday’s tradition of gift giving brought happiness to all sides of the exchange, according to Bissonnette.
“Even though (the children) didn’t have material gifts for us, I feel that their joy and appreciation is more than enough,” said Bissonnette. “I’m just happy to do it.”
The holiday spirit is about showing and acting upon the compassionate side of the human heart, according to Mimura.
“Many times, we fall into wants and desires,” said Mimura. “It’s not about what we want or who gives the best gift, it’s about letting everyone – loved ones and strangers – know we care.”
| Date Taken: | 01.01.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 01.10.2014 00:37 |
| Story ID: | 118992 |
| Location: | ONNA, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 49 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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