Since 1948, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve has collected toys for less-fortunate children around the nation in an effort to serve the communities they live and serve in.
On Dec. 15, Marines from local reserve and recruiting units met with the Greater Richmond New Car Dealers Association to accept several boxes of toys and a $1,000 charitable donation. The commanding and executive officers of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Richmond and the Toys for Tots coordinator for Hotel Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines were in attendance to receive the GRNCDA donation.
The GRNCDA was looking to increase their charitable footprint, and has expressed interest in working with more veteran groups. For the holidays, the group of new car dealers selected Toys for Tots.
“Car dealers are very much a part of the community,” said Sean Davis, the executive director of the GRNCDA, and a former Marine recruiter. “Likewise, the Marine recruiting stations are the ambassadors of the Marine Corps to the local communities they work in. This is going to complete Christmas for some young kids right here in our own community.”
Toys for Tots distributes the toys to less-fortunate children from within the same community. Any monetary donations are used to purchase more toys to distribute.
“When we think of the joy our kids and grandkids have on Christmas morning, that’s what Toys for Tots does for the less fortunate children in our area,” said Maj. Ryan Gordinier, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Richmond. “Memories are what sets us apart from every other living thing. We’re creating memories for others.”