[RUFDRAFT]

Most of you know about Toys for Tots. What you probably know is that you can drop off a toy somewhere and make a young child smile on Christmas Morning.

If you'd like to know more about how the program works, click on the link. I wrote an article for a magazine and learned all about it! Good stuff.

Click on the first article: Toys for Tots. It's a nationwide program - so help make some little guys and girls have a great morning on Christmas!

Thanks - ruf


http://www.beaufortc...news/BryanO.htm

[clark17357]

Thanks for the reminder, Bryan. As you will see below, it takes me back a bit. This year, more than most years, we need to be aware that the number of children in need is higher than ever.

For those with young children, it is a good teaching moment -- to take your kids shopping for a toy for another child they will never meet.

But more than the shopping is taking the opportunity to watch your child walk up to a Marine in full dress uniform (while Mom and Dad stand back a bit) and hold out the toy for that Marine to take.

It is a moment in time that will stay with your child forever. I am 59 and I remember like it was yesterday when I did that at age 8. My Dad, a WWII Marine, did not talk about the war much (the South Pacific) and, when we went to drop off the toy, I asked why he wanted me to do it. He just said he wanted me to know that Marines did more than fight.

It is a lesson about giving that cannot be taught any better way. At the moment the Marine takes the toy, he will look directly into your child's eyes and thank him or her and really mean it. If you want it to, it can become a tradition each year. Even if you do it only once, it is a great thing to do for a child.

Jim

This post has been edited by clark17357: 20 November 2009 - 10:22 AM

[mywickedshelby]

Excellant thread Bryan......
a great cause we can all get behind!

[Snake Doctor]

I had the honor of working Toys for Tots in 1985 in Kansas City while waiting for my discharge from the Marine Corps. It was a really great experience. There were very few that abused the system, but there were far more that did not. It is a great feeling to watch the expression on a parent's face when they are allowed to walk into a room filled with toys, and they get to pick out toys for their children that they can in no way buy themselves. The relief is extremely evident on their faces.

[RUFDRAFT]

clark17357, on Nov 19 2009, 06:37 PM, said:

Thanks for the reminder, Bryan. As you will see below, it takes me back a bit. This year, more than most years, we need to be aware that the number of children in need is higher than ever.

For those with young children, it is a good teaching moment -- to take your kids shopping for a toy for another child they will never meet.

But more than the shopping is taking the opportunity to watch your child walk up to a Marine in full dress uniform (while Mom and Dad stand back a bit) and hold out the toy for that Marine to take.

It is a moment in time that will stay with your child forever. I am 59 and I remember like it was yesterday when I did that at age 8. My Dad, a WWII Marine, did not talk about the war much (the South Pacific) and, when we went to drop off the toy, I asked why he wanted me to do it. He just said he wanted me to know that Marines did more than fight.

It is a lesson about giving that cannot be taught any better way. At the moment the Marine takes the toy, he will look directly into your child's eyes and thank him or her and really mean it. If want it to, it can become a tradition each year. Even if you do it only once, it is a great thing to do for a child.

Jim

Thanks, Jim, Wick, and Doc -

Before I wrote this piece, I only thought about a drop off box for toys. When I got into the research, it broke my heart that so many kids needed help getting a toy for Christmas. I just thought I'd get the word out - imagine (especially these days) waking up and having nothing under the tree -

[RUFDRAFT]

Maybe a moderator will make this a sticky so we can reach out to more kids?

[SC5.4]

clark17357, on Nov 19 2009, 03:37 PM, said:

Thanks for the reminder, Bryan. As you will see below, it takes me back a bit. This year, more than most years, we need to be aware that the number of children in need is higher than ever.

For those with young children, it is a good teaching moment -- to take your kids shopping for a toy for another child they will never meet.

But more than the shopping is taking the opportunity to watch your child walk up to a Marine in full dress uniform (while Mom and Dad stand back a bit) and hold out the toy for that Marine to take.

It is a moment in time that will stay with your child forever. I am 59 and I remember like it was yesterday when I did that at age 8. My Dad, a WWII Marine, did not talk about the war much (the South Pacific) and, when we went to drop off the toy, I asked why he wanted me to do it. He just said he wanted me to know that Marines did more than fight.

It is a lesson about giving that cannot be taught any better way. At the moment the Marine takes the toy, he will look directly into your child's eyes and thank him or her and really mean it. If want it to, it can become a tradition each year. Even if you do it only once, it is a great thing to do for a child.

Jim

That is a good idea!
It makes them think of others not so fortunate.

[RUFDRAFT]

Bump for the kids -

[RUFDRAFT]

I know things are tough now - but please try to pick up an inexpensive toy and drop it off to a location that collects them!

Thanks -

This post has been edited by RUFDRAFT: 23 November 2009 - 04:57 PM

[MikeCMM]

I'll do my part.

[RUFDRAFT]

MikeCMM, on Nov 24 2009, 08:12 PM, said:

I'll do my part.

Thanks, Mikey - we don't see the little ones that don't have much - so most of us don't think about them. But thanks to people like you, they'll have something to unwrap Christmas morning! Good form -

[RUFDRAFT]

Okay - Friday morning - head out to your favorite toy store and pick up what you can - you'll feel great helping the kids have a great Christmas Day! Wal-Mart says they have over 150 toys at $10.00.

[RUFDRAFT]

Please keep the kids in mind when you're out shopping. Donate a small gift and feel good knowing someone in need
will smile on Christmas morning! Thanks -

[SC5.4]

I had both my kids hand the Marines at Walmart toys. I hope Toys for Tots had enough people help out this year. Merry Christmas everybody!

[RUFDRAFT]

Thanks, 5.4 - and everyone else who donated toys this year. The kids depend on those of us with means to help them smile.

From the heart - Ruf