Encino : Marines’ Toy Drive Picking Up Steam

This time every year, Marine Corps reservists in Encino show a softer side of themselves. Continuing a 48-year tradition that began in Los Angeles, the reservists stockpile Legos and dolls instead of military supplies for two months as part of the Toys for Tots drive.

Halfway through the drive, Lt. Col. Bill Simmons estimates that the Navy-Marine Corps Recruiting Center in Encino already houses 15,000 toys that will be distributed to needy children throughout Los Angeles for the holidays.

Before the Dec. 21 donation deadline, Simmons predicted, that number will double.

“We have a warehouse full of toys. We’ve pushed the military equipment off to the side for a while,” Simmons said, laughing. “We have board games, toys, stuffed animals, toy guns and Barbie dolls. There aren’t too many Super Nintendos or bicycles though.”

The drive works like this: An individual buys a new toy and brings it, unwrapped, to a drop-off site at a local business.

Then, the business delivers the toys to the Marines. During the last week of the drive, social service agencies that help needy children pick up toys for youngsters between the ages of 1 and 12.

The San Fernando Valley Assn. of Realtors joined the reservists for the drive and has taken out newspaper advertisements to promote the cause, spokeswoman Millie Jones said.

The reason for the drive is obvious, she said.

“There’s something wonderfully warm and cuddly about giving a child a teddy bear or a fire engine,” Jones said.

The group will collect new, unwrapped toys between noon and 5 p.m. Dec. 15 in the realtors’ auditorium at 7232 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys.

Donations can also be made at most local Acura dealerships, Fast Frame stores, Norwest Financial offices, Radisson Hotels and Family Fitness Centers. For more information and drop-off locations, contact the Marine Corps at (818) 705-0012.