First lady helps 2nd CAG Marines with Toys for Tots

Photo By Sgt. Ian Leones | First lady Michelle Obama sorts toys with Marine and civilian volunteers at a Toys for Tots event at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Dec. 9, 2015. The Toys for Tots program was created in 1947 by the Marine Corps Reserve and provides new, unwrapped toys to millions of less fortunate children in communities across the country every year. The first lady is an avid supporter of the program and has been a spokesperson for its mission for the last seven years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ian Leones/Released)  

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES

12.09.2015

Story by Cpl. Ian Leones  

Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES)

WASHINGTON - First lady Michelle Obama joined Marines with 2nd Civil Affairs Group, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, and local families to sort toys at a Toys for Tots event at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Dec. 9, 2015.

The first lady has stood behind the Toys for Tots program as a major supporter over the course of President Barack Obama’s two terms in office.

“She's been our number one volunteer for the last seven years,” said retired Lt. Gen. Pete Osman, the president and chief executive officer of the Toys for Tots Foundation. “I think the first lady has a special place in the hearts of Americans. When she takes the lead on a project like this, there is no doubt that the public will follow, and that's what they have been doing.”

The Toys for Tots program began in 1947, when a Reserve unit in Los Angeles collected 5,000 toys to give to less fortunate children in the local community.

“The program has grown dramatically over the years,” Osman said. “This year, we have 789 local campaigns taking place in big cities and small towns all across our country.”

Even though Toys for Tots has grown, the mission has remained the same.

“Toys for Tots is important because we are reaching less fortunate children,” said Gunnery Sgt. Fitzpatrick Givans, S-4 chief for 2nd Civil Affairs Group and the Toys for Tots coordinator for the Inspector-Instructor staff Washington, D.C. “The fact that we were able to get the first lady here to help demonstrates how humongous the program really is.”

Addressing attendees of the event, the first lady stressed the importance of the program and thanked the Marines for their tremendous efforts.

“With the service of our Marines, your service to this country, you remind us all what it means to be a part of our American story," Obama said. “All of us should follow your lead. We should all be reaching out to one another and showing compassion for those who struggle. We should all be doing our part to give back to our communities through programs like Toys for Tots."

• Date Taken: 12.09.2015
• Date Posted: 12.11.2015 10:07
• Story ID: 184216
• Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US