Toys for Tots Campaign Seeks 40,000 Gifts
Toting boxes of board games and other toys, local Marines and sailors kicked off their annual Toys for Tots campaign Tuesday with a luncheon and a plea for help rounding up more than 40,000 toys.
The campaign, conducted by Marines at the Port Hueneme Navy base, collects Christmas gifts donated by individuals and organizations for needy children in the region.
“When you see the look on their faces when they get just one toy it makes it all worth it,” said gunnery Sgt. John Hendrix.
Last year, about 40,000 children received toys from the campaign. Demand for toys from the local charitable organizations, such as the Ventura Boys & Girls Club and the Ventura County Rescue Mission, ballooned from 20,000 requests in 1993, Hendrix said.
New unwrapped toys costing $5 to $10 may be donated to collection sites in Ventura County, including any fire station. Monetary donations are also welcome. The drive continues until Dec. 23.
A Los Angeles Marine reserve unit started the Toys for Tots campaign in 1947 and it has spread nationwide.
For information on where to drop off toys, call Hendrix at 982-2398.
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