Detachment members (and Marine granddaughter, elf Sarah Garibay) get ready to hand out toys!
Denise Lott
For the fourth year, East Valley Marines of Detachment 1296 headed out on Christmas Eve to some of the lower income housing areas along Chandler Boulevard. Pickup trucks were loaded with 20 boxes of toys. At each stop, blue tarps were spread out in the center of the projects and toys, sorted for girls and boys, were spread out. Children approached and were able to select two toys each from the array.
The East Valley Marines have been active participants in the Toys for Tots program for many years. For some of the group involved, this is the most heartwarming day, as they directly get to see the smiles on the faces of the children walking away with their toys. Over 20 detachment members donated their time on this Christmas Eve to help this toy delivery happen.
East Valley Marines welcome new Marine members and associate members. Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Oakwood Country Club. To learn more visit the website at www.eastvalleymarines.org.