MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, Calif. - Marines, Sailors and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point patrons bowled in the annual Toys for Tots bowling tournament Dec. 16 at the Stars n’ Strikes Bowling Center here.
Sixty-two participants entered the tournament, each paying an entry fee of at least one toy donation. About 80 toys were collected prior to the tournament and 170 during, totaling approximately 250 toys delivered to the charity Dec. 19.
“It’s local kids and local families that get the toys from what the bowlers donate,” said James R. Sharp, manager of the bowling alley. “Also, there’s no overhead, all the toys that come in go out, so it’s a very good organization and a very good way to give during the Christmas time.”
Toys for Tots, a charity organization officially endorsed by the Marine Corps and Marines across the country, holds toy collecting campaigns to provide Christmas presents for children of less fortunate families in their local areas.
Sharp said he and other bowlers like the Toys for Tots charity because of what it provides during a time when more and more families are less fortunate and unable to share gifts at Christmas.
One Marine brought a toy he had always wanted but didn’t get, hoping to fulfill another child’s hope.
“A small, simple toy can make the happiest child, so I brought something I always wanted but never got, a Play-Doh Drill n’ Fill set. I always wanted that as a kid and never got it, so hopefully one child will be a very happy guy that he received that for Christmas,” said Cpl. Shane J. Kurilla, an individual material readiness list manager for Marine Attack Squadron 231. “I’m happy to help out. I came because I thought I’d have some fun doing something that I love doing, bowling.”
For people who still wish to donate, they can go to the website http://bit.ly/toysfortotslejeune.