Toys for Tots campaign underway on Okinawa

Photo By Richard Blumenstein | Gunnery Sgt. Toshia C. Sundermier donates a toy Nov. 18 on Camp Foster.  

CAMP FOSTER, JAPAN

11.18.2006

Story by Lance Cpl. Richard Blumenstein 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

by Lance Cpl. Richard Blumenstein
III Marine Expeditionary Force PAO

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- The 2006 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign on Okinawa began with a ceremony Nov. 18 at the Post Exchange on Camp Foster. Each year, Marines on Okinawa contribute their time during the months of November and December to collect new, unwrapped toys and charitable donations for children in need during Christmas.

"This is a great opportunity for us to show one of the best things about America - our generosity," said Col. Russell I. Jones, the commanding officer for Headquarters and Service Battalion Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, during the kick-off ceremony. "To quote an unknown author, 'no man stands taller than when he helps a needy child.'"

The toys collected here on Okinawa will be given to children in the local Japanese and military communities this holiday season, according to Staff Sgt. Jon E. Loppe, an Individual Ready Reserve military policeman with III Marine Expeditionary Force.

"Volunteering for the program helps build good relations between the local and military communities on Okinawa," said Loppe.

Toys for Tots organizers on Okinawa collected nearly 9,000 toys last year, Loppe said. This year they want to shatter that record by collecting more than 10,000 toys.

"Toys for Tots is an organization that gives every boy and girl a chance to have a normal Christmas," Loppe said. "It gives them the opportunity to believe there is hope."

Military families who would like to request assistance from Toys for Tots this Christmas can contact their unit representative, Loppe said. Marines can also nominate other families who need assistance but would not be likely to ask for it on their own.

• Date Taken: 11.18.2006
• Date Posted: 12.05.2006 09:15
• Story ID: 8479
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, JP