MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - The Single Marine Program recognized Staff Sgt. Royce Kelley, the Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron adjutant, for his hard work and dedication and presented him with the SMP’s Toys for Tots Volunteer of the Year award during a ceremony at The Roadhouse Jan. 30.
Kelley earned the award, which is expected to be presented annually, by logging the most hours manning donation sites and transporting donated toys to the local distribution site.
Kelley also pioneered a system of organizing the toys by gender and age, said Jen Krivohlavy, the SMP coordinator for Cherry Point.
“This made it easier for the more than 1,000 families to come in and get toys to have a great Christmas,” said Krivohlavy.
Krivohlavy said all the volunteers did an amazing job providing the community with a joyful holiday, and the dedication shown by Kelley set him apart.
“It is humbling to receive this award,” said Kelley. “My family had times when we weren’t very well off. If I would have known this program was out there, I would have asked my family to get involved. That is why I am so adamant about volunteering for this event.”
The three units that boasted the highest number of members who participated in the annual toy drive were also recognized. They are H&HS, the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Marine Unit Cherry Point and Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28.