Civilians Fill in for Marines on Toy Drive (Too Many In Iraq This Year)

[Khephra]

CHICAGO -- Civilian volunteers have rushed in to help run the Marine Corps' annual Toys for Tots drive because the soldiers have their hands full in Iraq, making sure tens of thousands of gifts reach children around the country in time for Christmas.

Sgt. Rita O'Reilly said there were only about 28 Marines and reservists available to help sort the small mountains of toys that began accumulating at a Marine training center; about 400 were available last year.

When the public learned of the manpower shortage, the flood of calls began.

"They were pouring in so much they filled up our voice mail," said O'Reilly, a reservist with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment in Chicago. "We wouldn't have succeeded without them."

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-toys-for-tots,0,7079581.story?coll=sns-ap-nation-headlines

[Sandpiper]

1. Too busy killing little Arab children

To bring toys to little American children this year.

[Skittles]

3. hey - quit it

please

[MidwestTransplant]

5. The blame for that goes all the way to the top.

[txaslftist]

2. so sad....

I visited the home (mobile, single-wide) of one of my 8yoa daughter's classmates for a birthday party and she had a grand total of two toys in the whole house, a beat up barbie and a cheerleader set -pom poms and baton-.

Get out there and help toys for tots, guys.

[Skittles]

4. I sent them a check - got a mail from them

first time I've ever seen a Toys for Tots mailing for bucks. I've always liked Toys for Tots - where I work Marines show up every year to pick up the toys and they're always so handsome in their uniforms.
:)

[Anakin Skywalker]

6. This is Sad!

[Dulcinea]

7. I contribute to Toys for Tots every year.

Gave 3 toys this year rather than just 1....lots of kids in need.