Acting Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Vivian Sablan, third right, back row, poses with other DYS personnel, Saipan Chamber of Commerce staff and members of the U.S. Marine Corps led by Toys for Tots coordinator Gunnery Sgt. Reuben James Tan at the Kagman Community Center on Tuesday.
THE Division of Youth Services on Tuesday received a variety of toys from the U.S. Marine Corps, the First Lady Wella Foundation and Saipan Chamber of Commerce.
The toys were collected through the Toys for Tots campaign led by the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz on Guam and the Saipan Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the First Lady Wella Foundation.
Toys for Tots aims to spread joy to families in need during the holiday season.
The program coordinator, Gunnery Sgt. Reuben James Tan, and his fellow Marines delivered the toys to the Kagman Community Center. Receiving the toys were acting Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Vivian Sablan and acting DYS Child Protection Services Supervisor Mariah Barcinas.
Tan said they flew from Camp Blaz on Guam to distribute the toys for the children of Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
Sablan, for her part, said they really appreciate the efforts of the Marines and other community partners.
“I am pretty sure that these gifts are going to bring smiles to the faces of the kids this holiday season,” she added.
Barcinas said they are also extending their deepest appreciation to the U.S. Marine Corps, the First Lady Wella Foundation and the Saipan Chamber of Commerce for the contributions.
“This will really ensure that all our children in the care of Child Protective Services will receive a special gift this holiday season,” Barcinas said, referring to the toys.
“This is just another reminder that it really is our collective responsibility to nurture and support our younger generation, and I am super proud to be part of this initiative that continues to spread joy and kindness,” she said.
