WASHINGTON D.C. -- The Marine Corps commemorated the longstanding partnership between Marine Forces Reserve and the Toys for Tots Foundation June 3, 2016, at Marine Barracks Washington in Washington, D.C., during the Friday Evening Parade. The parade highlighted the significant contributions and support from company sponsorship as well as the legacy of goodwill established between Toys for Tots and the Marine Corps Reserve.
On Aug. 29th of this year, the Marine Corps Reserve will celebrate 100 years of existence. During Friday’s Evening Parade, performances by The President’s Own Marine Band and the Silent Drill Platoon honored the contributions made by Reserve Marines and supporters of the Marine Corps. David Brandon, chairman and chief executive officer of Toys “R” Us was celebrated as the official guest of honor for the event.
“We’re very proud of this partnership,” said Brandon. “We’re grateful for the 14 years and $50 million of contributions we’ve been able to generate. It’s meaningful to us – the connection we have with the military. There is no better place to find passion and commitment and discipline and competitiveness … than from our military.”
The support of local sponsors, civilian volunteers and service members has propelled the Toys for Tots Program with an ongoing forward momentum since its adoption by the Reserves in 1948.
“[Toys for Tots] is a very treasured tradition for the Marine Corps Reserve, started by a Reservist, post World War II,” said Lt. Gen. Rex McMillian, commander, Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North. “We carry on that tradition, and it’s very sacred to us.”
McMillian addressed the crowd reminiscing on a personal experience while on a Toys for Tots mission.
“There were young children, from toddlers to young teenagers, and their parents who were lined up around the block with huge smiles on their faces waiting to get a toy that they were probably not going to get due to their circumstances,” he recalled. “So it’s very near and dear to the Marine Corps Reserve.”
The President and CEO of the Toys for Tots Foundation, Lt. Gen. Pete Osman, USMC (Ret.), echoed a similar discourse.
“We couldn’t do what we’re doing today if it weren’t for the Reserves,” he said. “The Evening Parade here is something special. The incredible effort of our Reserve Marines and our tens of thousands of volunteers enabled us to distribute almost 18 million toys to seven million less-fortunate children.”
Toys for Tots aided by the Marine Corps Reserves “has grown to become one of the most well-known and successful charitable campaigns in the nation,” said Andrew Ryan, deputy, Office of Marine Forces Reserve. “I especially look forward to this year’s campaign as the foundation will be assisting us with our centennial celebration commemorating 100 years of the Marine Corps Reserves.”
The Marine Corps Reserve Centennial public relations campaign is being used as a platform to spread awareness and information about the Marine Corps Reserve.
“Toys for Tots is an official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve, and it makes sense to highlight the partnership of this nationwide outreach campaign as a part of our centennial celebration,” said Cori Parker, Marine Corps Reserve Centennial project manager. “Reserve Marines have been engaged in every conflict our country has been involved with. Our role remains strong as warfighters and peacekeepers.
We are directing Reserve units to leverage existing outreach events and establish relationships to heighten awareness of the Marine Corps Reserve and the role they play in local communities. We will provide these commands the marketing materials, outreach speeches, and videos to overlay our Centennial theme over these events. This is a cost effective way to run a national campaign while bolstering the bond between the American people and the U.S. Marine Corps.”
The Evening Parade served as a joint effort for celebration, awareness, and announcement of the presence of the Marine Corps Reserve and the impression they leave on the hearts and minds of the communities they occupy. The celebration of 100 years brings about new initiatives while simultaneously highlighting existing traditions and legacies.
“We are proud of the legacy of goodwill Toys for Tots has established for the U.S. Marine Corps, and our intent is to build upon it,” said Parker. “The shared branding on this season's collection boxes exemplifies the teamwork that goes into a successful Toys for Tots season. This parade helps us kick-off the season and provides for initial awareness of the upcoming Marine Corps Centennial commemoration which begins in August.”
“The parade is a primer to the upcoming national toy drive as well as an opportunity to highlight the Marine Toys for Tots Program to the [more than] 4,000 people in attendance,” said Ryan. “The Parade also serves as a venue for key supporters of the program to interface with leadership from the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation.”
For more information on Toys for Tots, to host an event or donate, visit: http://www.toysfortots.org.
www.marforres.usmc.mil/USMCR100.aspx