THE eighth annual Toys for Tots campaign in the Northern Mariana Islands has begun.
Established in 1947, Toys for Tots is a Marine Corps Reserve mission and one of the most popular Christmastime charities for children.
“Our mission today is the same as it was in 1947, and that is to give kids new unwrapped toys during the holiday season, and to help send a message of hope to those children,” said Gunnery Sgt. Rubin Tan in his remarks before the Saipan Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.
Last year, 9,241 toys were distributed throughout Guam, Rota, Saipan, and Tinian.
“That’s a lot of children that we were able to help out during the holiday season, children who otherwise may not have been able to get a gift during that time… The campaign makes a big impact, but what’s also very awesome is how it has found its way to Saipan, Rota, Tinian…and supports all of the children that are out here,” said Tan.
He added, “Every year, I feel like the Toys for Tots program on the islands just grows more and more, and the community is more aware about our program and what we do, which definitely helps increase the number of children that we are able to help every year.”
Tan expressed his gratitude to every participant and volunteer in the program, from donating toys, to collecting, sorting, and distributing toys to children across the islands.
“We wouldn’t be able to do it alone. It’s not just one person; it’s a community effort, and it’s really to help all of the children in the community,” he said.
“As Marines, we definitely believe in taking care of the community, and I know that you guys also find that very important as well, so thank you all for that.”
To participate and donate to Toys for Tots, bring a newly purchased unwrapped toy to one of the various businesses or organizations acting as voluntary drop-off locations.
For a complete listing of drop-off locations, contact the Saipan Chamber of Commerce at (670) 234-7150.
The toy collection will conclude on Saturday, Dec. 10.
For more information about the Toys for Tots campaign, visit www.toysfortots.org/.
Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Rubin Tan, the Toys for Tots coordinator for Guam and the CNMI, speaks during a Saipan Chamber of Commerce general membership meeting Wednesday at Kensington Hotel Saipan.
Members of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce pose for a photo with Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz.
