NEW ORLEANS - -- As the 2006 holiday season approaches, Marines are engaged in a wide range of operations throughout the world. Whether at home or abroad, our individual sacrifices are providing an important service to our country.
While the units from Marine Forces Reserve are conducting patrols in the streets of Fallujah, Iraq, to bring peace and stability, Marines and civilian volunteers in every state across our nation are working with the Toys for Tots Foundation to make dreams come true for American children at home.
By volunteering to support your local Toys for Tots campaign, you are helping to maintain the image of the Marine Corps, making positive contributions to your local community and enhancing your military career.
With the demands on the military of the Global War on Terror, one might think that programs such as Toys for Tots detract from mission-readiness and should be put on the back burner for a while so that the Marines can focus on their war fighting mission. On the contrary, the Toys for Tots program directly supports the overall efforts of the Marine Corps.
In our democratic nation, citizens have freedom of speech and the power to directly influence our nation’s international policy. The Toys for Tots program helps rally the support of the American people for the Marine Corps and our mission of fighting terrorism overseas.
The Marine Corps’ biggest challenge in building relationships with the American public is that there are not a lot of Marine bases, according to Marine Sgt. Eric R. Lucero, a Defense Information School journalism instructor who has worked with the Toys for Tots program for several years.
“This is one time of the year that we can actually get out there, get in uniform, and be recognized. This is our one time of the year to really shine,” said Lucero.
Marines and civilians in the New Orleans area may not realize that there is a large-scale Toys for Tots campaign in the area. If they are aware of the program, they may think the work involved in the campaign is already complete or that they are too busy to help.
The 2006 Toys for Tots campaign in the New Orleans area has been underway since October.
Active duty and reserve Marines from Headquarters Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, and 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, here have led local efforts with fund raising events and logistical support, but more help is needed, according to Marine Gunnery Sgt. Keith L. Pruski, the Greater New Orleans area Toys for Tots coordinator.
The local campaign is doing well, but donations are lower than in the past. Fortunately, we have a lot of toys left over from last year that were turned in late because of logistical issues resulting from Katrina and put in storage. That will help us meet our current goals, according to Pruski.
In spite of serious infrastructure problems throughout the region, the New Orleans Toys for Tots campaign in 2005 distributed more than 80,000 toys to needy children. This year, they are shooting for 120,000, and that will likely be achieved if local Marines, family members, retirees and any other civilians pitch in to help.
The bulk of the work that volunteers face in the next several weeks involves transporting, unloading and sorting toys, as well as facilitation at collection and distribution centers, according to Marine Sgt. Guy Saucedo, the Greater New Orleans area Toys for Tots assistant coordinator.
Marines might not realize that volunteering to help out with the Toys for Tots program can positively impact their careers. However, volunteering can enhance a Marine’s career in several ways.
Volunteer work can be annotated in Marines’ fitness reports or can reflect positively in their proficiency and conduct markings. Extensive volunteer service can also qualify a Marine for the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Helping with Toys for Tots can also provide leadership opportunities as officers and non-commissioned officers supervise junior Marines and civilians at fund raising and distribution events.
Additionally, Toys for Tots can enable Marines to develop professional interpersonal skills and establish important career relationships by giving them the chance to work with senior military, political and business leaders in their communities, according to Saucedo.
Several local volunteer opportunities are available throughout the month of December, such as a Christmas party hosted by Louisiana Senator David B. Vitter and a community distribution event.
Marines, other service members, retirees and civilians who want to volunteer at these or other events should contact Saucedo on the Toys for Tots hotline at (504) 208-6331.
Volunteering to help ensure the success of the New Orleans Toys for Tots campaign can help maintain the Marine Corps’ positive image with the local public. Those who volunteer can have the satisfaction of doing something meaningful for needy children, and in doing so they will further their own professional development.
“This is your one chance to give back to the New Orleans community," said Saucedo. "You can show that Marines really do care."