Marines from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island kicked off the Toys for Tots Program at a local retail store Nov. 26.

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

“The Marine Corps Team is helping those less fortunate during the holiday season,” said Staff Sgt. David Hawkins. “Every child needs to experience Christmas.”

“I’ve been volunteering in the Toys for Tots Program each of my 14 years in the Marine Corps,” said Gunnery Sgt. Tim Colantoni. “I like interacting and supporting my local community to help put a smile on children’s faces.”

The Marines find that those who donate leave with a sense of pride.

“This is a good cause to donate to,” said Kelsey Adair, from Oak Harbor, Wash., as she donated a toy. “It helps out underprivileged children over the holidays”.

“I grew up in a less well-off family,” said Staff Sgt. Sergio Quezada. “It feels good to be able to do a small part in helping children open a present on Christmas.”

Twenty Marines have volunteered to cover 25 different receiving locations around Whidbey Island.

“This is a great opportunity to show the public that the Marines care about children,” said Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Nicoletti, from San Jose, Calif. “Each Marine unit volunteers to collect toys in the areas we are stationed.”

The goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver a message of hope to needy youngsters and help them experience the joy of Christmas.

“There are two sides of being a Marine, first is the job and second is giving back to the community,” said Sgt. Thomas Herriera, from Mariposa, Calif. “Marine boot camp grooms you to volunteer and help others.”

The program also helps to unite members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign.

“I consider it a privilege to take time out of my schedule to assist children in a time of need,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rosetta Robinson-Dixon, from Augusta, Ga. “I love giving back to the local community.”

The local Toys for Tots Program also conducts an array of activities throughout the year, which include golf tournaments, races and events, designed to increase awareness and generate both toy and monetary donations.

For more information, go to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program Web site at http://www.toysfortots.org/