Washington, D.C. --
First lady
Michelle Obama joined Marines with 2nd Civil Affairs Group, Force Headquarters
Group, Marine Forces Reserve, and local families to sort toys at a Toys for
Tots event at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Dec. 9, 2015.
The
first lady has stood behind the Toys for Tots program as a major supporter over
the course of President Barack Obama’s two terms in office.
“She's
been our number one volunteer for the last seven years,” said retired Lt. Gen.
Pete Osman, the president and chief executive officer of the Toys for Tots Foundation.
“I think the first lady has a special place in the hearts of Americans. When
she takes the lead on a project like this, there is no doubt that the public
will follow, and that's what they have been doing.”
The
Toys for Tots program began in 1947, when a Reserve unit in Los Angeles collected
5,000 toys to give to less fortunate children in the local community.
“The
program has grown dramatically over the years,” Osman said. “This year, we have
789 local campaigns taking place in big cities and small towns all across our
country.”
Even
though Toys for Tots has grown, the mission has remained the same.
“Toys for Tots is
important because we are reaching less fortunate children,” said Gunnery Sgt.
Fitzpatrick Givans, S-4 chief for 2nd Civil Affairs Group and the Toys for Tots
coordinator for the Inspector-Instructor staff Washington, D.C. “The fact that
we were able to get the first lady here to help demonstrates how humongous the
program really is.”
Addressing
attendees of the event, the first lady stressed the importance of the program
and thanked the Marines for their tremendous efforts.
“With
the service of our Marines, your service to this country, you remind us all
what it means to be a part of our American story," Obama said. “All of us
should follow your lead. We should all be reaching out to one another and
showing compassion for those who struggle. We should all be doing our part to
give back to our communities through programs like Toys for Tots."