On the recordNovember 19, 2013
In 1947, Major Bill Hendricks, with the support of his Los Angeles Marine Corps Reserve unit, collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. Since the program's adoption nationally as Toys for Tots in 1948, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program has collected and distributed close to 500 million toys. On Monday, I had the honor of attending the Centre County Toys for Tots' kickoff breakfast in central Pennsylvania. Chaired by Gene Weller, a retired Marine major, 2013 marks the 27th Centre County Toys for Tots campaign, organized by the Nittany Leathernecks Detachment 302. About 250 collection points around Centre County will accept new, unwrapped toys, books, and games for infants to teenagers until December 15. This program has grown with the support of area food banks, fire departments, businesses, and hundreds of local volunteers. Mr. Speaker, over the past 10 years, Marines have distributed an annual average of 15 million toys, bringing joy to an average of more than 6.3 million less fortunate children each year. We thank you in more ways than one every day, Marines, and I thank you for supporting these children in need. ____________________
