HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz recently announced in a news release the start of the 14th annual Toys for Tots campaign on Guam, which will also be the seventh Toys for Tots campaign for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The U.S. Marine Corps organizes the annual Toys for Tots toy drive to provide toys to children in need with support and contributions from individuals, businesses, and communities.
The collection for the donations will begin this week until the week of Dec. 4. According to the release, Marines from MCB Camp Blaz will deliver toy collection boxes to sites across the island during the first week of October.
Apart from the collection of 6,848 toys in Guam last year, a grand total of 11,075 toys were distributed across Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota upon the conclusion of the event, the release stated.
“As Marines, our mission is to serve and protect the nation,” Col. Ernest Govea, MCB Camp Blaz commanding officer, said. “Similarly, we extend our commitment to giving back to the communities we call home. We are very proud to lead the Toys for Tots campaign once again this year, and we stand ready alongside our community to ensure every child across the Marianas experiences the joy of the holiday season.”
The Toys for Tots High School Challenge, which is supported by the Armed Forces Committee of the Guam Chamber of Commerce, will ensue from Oct. 2 through Dec. 1. According to the release, large schools with a population of more than 500 students will compete for a $1,000 cash prize. Small and medium schools with a population of less than 500 students will compete for a $700 cash prize.
According to Gunnery Sgt. Rubin Tan, Academy of Our Lady of Guam, Harvest Christian Academy, St. John’s School, and George Washington High School will be participating in the high school challenge.
Last year, Okkodo High School had the highest number of donations within the large school category, while Notre Dame High School claimed the prize within the small school category. According to Tan, the challenge was temporarily suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With the various challenges our island has faced this year, support for residents in need is top of mind as the holiday season swiftly approaches,” Catherine Castro, president of the Guam Chamber of Commerce said. “If your budget will allow for the purchase of a new and unwrapped toy to go towards a child in need, you will be offering joy to a young one who otherwise would not receive something special this Christmas. We know that times are hard, and we appreciate every gesture, big or small. The legacy you leave by contributing just one toy will leave behind a lasting impression not soon forgotten.”
According to Tan, the age group that receives the least donations is the 10 to 18 age group. Potential donation ideas for females in that age group include hair dryers, LED mirrors, jewelry boxes, makeup kits or art supplies. For boys 10 and older, Tan recommended donations like remote control toys, sports equipment, fitness equipment or board games.
“It’s very inspiring to see that even though a community on the island has gone through some sort of struggle, whether it was the typhoon or maybe it was COVID, we would think that would have a negative impact on the donations that we would receive,” Tan said. “But like during those times, when the island has experienced such events, people actually become even more generous, and I like to believe it’s because they understand that there’s a need for the children in our communities. It was very inspiring to see the community come together and really support the children for essentially our future.”
To participate or donate to Toys for Tots, bring a recently purchased, unopened toy to one of the several businesses or organizations that have offered to be drop-off locations.
The Guam Chamber of Commerce website, www.guamchamber.com.gu, and MCB Camp Blaz’s Facebook page and Instagram account will have a list of locations and important information posted by Oct. 6.
For a list of locations on Saipan, contact the Saipan Chamber of Commerce at 670-234-7150 or visit their Facebook page.
For more information about the Toys for Tots campaign, contact Gunnery Sgt. Rubin Tan at 671-362-7375 or email rubin.tan@usmc.mil.
