HAGERSTOWN, MD - It's an American tradition to give back during the holidays.
"Every child deserves a little Christmas. To give that feeling back to a child who doesn't have that opportunity, or wouldn't have the opportunity, it gives me goosebumps," says Jeff Mangum, a retired Sergeant with the U.S. Marines.
And now families, the U.S. Marines, and even a local hockey team are doing just that with the local Toys for Tots Program.
"Toys for Tots is the local community. It's the citizens who donate the toys, the money, it's the volunteers who give of their time; they are toys for tots, we are just a conduit for all that joy that they want to give to children," says Mangum.
The Hagerstown Bulldogs hockey team is playing several games this season open to the public to donate toys. They invite the U.S. Marines to the rink and one Private who just finished his boot-camp came to help out.
"I loved helping with Toys for Tots, it's just something I love to do. It's more of an honor now, it's a big difference actually assisting as a Marine because Marines are who founded the Toys for Tots Program in 1947. It's just a big honor and I love doing it," says Zarren Rutledge, a Private with the U.S. Marines.
Last year the Bulldogs donated 600 toys to the Washington County Toys for Tots; this year they're hoping to double that.
"It's a great way for them to give back to the community, and to share the holiday spirit with area children. So they really look forward to the Toys for Tots games, they have a great time, they love the Marines who come here, and it's just a wonderful atmosphere," says Howard Overacker, a retired Corpsman with the U.S. Marines.
Toys for Tots says the need for the program is growing every year, and it's ability to meet this need depends on the generosity of the people who donate.
To donate or find out more about the Toys for Tots Program near you, see their website.
"Every child deserves a little Christmas. To give that feeling back to a child who doesn't have that opportunity, or wouldn't have the opportunity, it gives me goosebumps," says Jeff Mangum, a retired Sergeant with the U.S. Marines.
And now families, the U.S. Marines, and even a local hockey team are doing just that with the local Toys for Tots Program.
"Toys for Tots is the local community. It's the citizens who donate the toys, the money, it's the volunteers who give of their time; they are toys for tots, we are just a conduit for all that joy that they want to give to children," says Mangum.
The Hagerstown Bulldogs hockey team is playing several games this season open to the public to donate toys. They invite the U.S. Marines to the rink and one Private who just finished his boot-camp came to help out.
"I loved helping with Toys for Tots, it's just something I love to do. It's more of an honor now, it's a big difference actually assisting as a Marine because Marines are who founded the Toys for Tots Program in 1947. It's just a big honor and I love doing it," says Zarren Rutledge, a Private with the U.S. Marines.
Last year the Bulldogs donated 600 toys to the Washington County Toys for Tots; this year they're hoping to double that.
"It's a great way for them to give back to the community, and to share the holiday spirit with area children. So they really look forward to the Toys for Tots games, they have a great time, they love the Marines who come here, and it's just a wonderful atmosphere," says Howard Overacker, a retired Corpsman with the U.S. Marines.
Toys for Tots says the need for the program is growing every year, and it's ability to meet this need depends on the generosity of the people who donate.
To donate or find out more about the Toys for Tots Program near you, see their website.
Comments
Thanks WHAG and Dana. Great Job. Many events coming up, tonight is Outback night from 4:30 to 10:30pm, 1
Jim M.
November 19, 2012 at 5:50 am
