Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Four Marine Reservists came to Jefferson County on Monday, Dec. 13, to distribute toys to local families through their Toys for Tots program. Sheriff Mac McNeill, a former Marine, made the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office available as a site for the distribution.
“Our office is a safe place for people to come get toys,” said McNeill. The Marine Reservists arrived at 9 a.m. and rolled up the back door of a large U-Haul truck. Like Santa's sleigh, it was packed with toys for girls and boys. The donated gifts were bundled and organized into boxes by age, and residents who had arranged for pick-up were able to drive into the parking lot, show their confirmation code and receive what they needed.
One recipient who resides in the county near Waukeenah said that Toys for Tots means a lot to her. “We have really been struggling this year. My twins were born prematurely at 28 weeks.” The family has had unexpected medical bills along with the economic challenges of the pandemic and being new parents to twins. “Without this we would not have Christmas,” she said.
On this day, Santa's elves were wearing camouflage uniforms. Sgt. Jordi Baez, Lance Corporal Abraham Rivera Viaz, Corporal Alexander Blondheim and Lance Corporal Justin Gerry had driven up from the Orlando area with gifts for the Big Bend area. After a two-hour stop in Monticello, they were on their way to Perry, Fla., next.
The Marine Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them to less fortunate children at Christmas. Through the gift of a new toy, they help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.