Photo By Sgt. Whitney N. Frasier | Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 17 and Marine Headquarters Group handout toys...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — When the economy suffers it affects everyone and can really take a toll on this year's holiday spirit. But Marines, Operation Homefront and Walmart teamed up and threw on their elf hats to spread the holiday cheer. About 25 Marines with 1st Marine Logistics Group and Marine Headquarters Group volunteered at a toy shop in Oceanside, Calif. to assist Operation Homefront and Walmart employees distribute 10,000 toys to military families, Dec. 4.
"The economy is down right now and it is affecting service members, too," said Lance Cpl. Ishmael G. Gonzalez, information systems specialist, Alpha Platoon, Communications Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st MLG. "Volunteering is the least I can do; they are helping me give toys to my little girl."
The volunteers took on responsibilities to be personal shoppers, gift stockers, parking advisors and more to ensure the parents' shopping experience was enjoyable. "It feels good to hand these gifts out and volunteer because you know kids are going to have gifts for Christmas," said Cpl. Carlos Salinas, military police, 3rd Platoon, Military Police Co., CLR-17, 1st MLG.
"It takes stress off parents and gives them something to look forward to for the holidays," said Salinas, 24, Edinburg, Texas.
The toy shop was geared toward family members of those who are deployed, about to deploy or have recently returned from a deployment, said Tricia De La Paz, the vice president of operations, Southern California Chapter, Operation Homefront. "Parents were allotted three toys per child," said De La Paz, 30, Corona, Calif. "They choose from two small toys and one large toy, plus each child receives a book." The toys ranged from Barbies to DVD players, with a maximum value of almost $40. "Walmart has a history of supporting the troops," said Ryan Brandenburg, store manager of the Walmart Supercenter on College Blvd.
"Through 'Walmart Gives Back,' we are recognizing the sacrifices our service men and women are making." At the end of the day, Walmart contributed $1.1 million worth of toys to Operation Homefront for six separate toy shops nationwide. The locations of the toy shops were determined by the military installations that had the largest deployment schedule. Camp Pendleton was the only Marine Corps base this year, said De La Paz.
"I am extremely happy [Walmart and Operation Homefront] were able to use their assets and reach out to the members that are about to deploy," said Staff Sgt. Jonathan D. Morris, data chief, Bravo Platoon, Comm. Co., CLR-17, 1st MLG.
"Some people are in that unfortunate situation to not be able to get their kids anything, so it's really helpful that they can come in here and get a few things for them. It's really appreciated," said Morris, 27, Menifee, Calif. Operation Homefront use their assets to reach out to deployed military and their family members. Now CLR-17 plans to use its assets to reach back. That means more volunteer opportunities for the Marines. "It's important our Marines volunteered for this event because they are taking the time and donating toys to help out our deployed military families," said First Sgt. Leveta S. Smith, company first sergeant, Headquarters Company, CLR-17, 1st MLG.
"There are a lot more events coming up and we will be here to participate because they are providing support to our Marines," said Smith, 39, Louisburg, N.C. Although this particular event is completed this year, Operation Homefront is a year-round program that assists with more than just toys for the holidays. For more information on future events and registrations, visit their website at www.operationhomefront.net
| Date Taken: | 12.10.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 12.10.2009 11:28 |
| Story ID: | 42556 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 844 |
| Downloads: | 787 |
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