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    Active Duty Marines bring Toys for Tots to the High Desert

    Active Duty Marines bring Toys for Tots to the High Desert

    Photo By Cpl. Samuel Ranney | Gunnery Sgt. Jeffery Worley (far right), Toys for Tots coordinator on Marine Corps...... read more read more

    BARSTOW , CA, UNITED STATES

    11.25.2014

    Story by Cpl. Samuel Ranney 

    Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow

    BARSTOW, Calif. - “The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted,” as stated on ToysForTots.org.

    However, there isn’t a Marine Corps reserve unit here in the High Desert; so, active duty Marines from Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., put in as much time and effort as possible on and off duty to make the program a success.

    “I have never seen an (active duty) base this involved with Toys for Tots before,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jeffery Worley, base substance abuse control officer and Toys for Tots coordinator. “Last year, our goal was to raise between 4,000 and 6,000 toys … we hit our mark.”

    Worley explained the base collected 5,000 toys and raised $15,000 in donations to go toward the program last year. This year, it is his goal to surpass last year’s already impressive amount.

    “With (local organizations) helping out and all the big events we have coming up, we will meet our goals easily,” Worley added.

    The base as a whole is fully supportive of the program, added Worley. Marines from every work section have been volunteering time during on and off-duty hours to help collect toys. Different sections have also held fundraisers and sales to donate to the program.

    “It wouldn’t be possible without their support,” he explained.
    Chad Hildebrandt, rail operations supervisor here and Toys for Tots assistant coordinator, has been working with the program for more than 13 years.

    “I like giving back to the community,” said Hildebrandt, a former active duty gunnery sergeant. “Seeing the smiles on kids’ faces makes all the extra work completely worth it at the end.”
    Hildebrandt explained the importance of having this program in the High Desert.

    “It helps us connect with the city,” he added. “We are not only here as a base, we are an active part of the local community.”
    Worley and Hildebrandt have been working together to coordinate myriad Toys for Tots events over the past two years.

    With more than 20 events, it has doubled since last year, said Worley.

    “We have been getting more support from local organizations and advertisement than ever before … it’s going to be a good year,” he added.

    On Dec. 19, the thousands of toys that have been collected over the winter months will be distributed to families in need at the Harvey House in Barstow.

    During distributions parents are very appreciative, said Hildebrandt. Sometimes it can be hard for them because during hard economic times, parents cannot always provide the way they would like to; however, they are grateful and it feels great to be able to help.

    Aside from the distribution at the Harvey House, the coordinators and other active duty Marines will be visiting local hospitals on Christmas Eve.

    Both Hildebrandt and Worley expressed this is their favorite part about participating in the program.

    “The kids aren’t able to make it home for Christmas because they are stuck in the hospital,” said Worley. “So, we bring Christmas right to their beds.”

    “It’s a really great feeling to see the smiles on some of their faces,” Hildebrandt added.

    Hildebrandt and Worley encourage the community to help out in any way they can.

    “The more support we get the better,” explained Hildebrandt. “100 percent of our donations go back to the community. Come out and support us.”

    If you would like to request a toy, more information, or donate to the Toys for Tots program, please visit www.ToysForTots.org. For the High Desert area, children must be between ages 0-12.

    Also, if you would like to donate, MCLB Barstow Marines encourage you to come out to one of the upcoming events.

    Nov. 28 - District 37 American Motorcycle Association’s LA, Barstow to Vegas ride. Riders will stop at the Ramada Inn in Barstow to donate toys.
    Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 14 - Toy drive at Toys R Us, located at 12450 Amargosa Rd, Victorville. Marines will be present from approximately 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    Dec. 6 – Softball tournament on MCLB Barstow for base personnel. Opening remarks will begin at 9 a.m. Entry is $10 or a new and unwrapped toy.
    Dec. 6 – Toys for Tots booth at the Harvey House from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
    Dec. 13 – Toys for Tots Car Show on MCLB Barstow’s Parade Deck. Cars will begin parking at 7:30 a.m.
    From now until Dec. 16 – MCLB Barstow’s Fire Department will be collecting toys and cash donations at the front gate of the Nebo and Yermo Annexes of the base, every Tuesday from 5:45 to 7 a.m.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 11.25.2014
    Date Posted: 11.25.2014 17:50
    Story ID: 148845
    Location: BARSTOW , CA, US

    Web Views: 133
    Downloads: 0

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