Marines Collect Toys for Tots in Mississippi

MERIDIAN, Miss. (NNS) -- U.S. Marines from Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron 1 on board Naval Air Station Meridian, Miss., delivered approximately 12,000 new toys to the Salvation Army Dec. 17.

The toys were collected during the 2010 Toys for Tots campaign, and three times the number of toys were collected in 2010 than in 2009.

Officials from the Salvation Army welcomed the Marines and the toys, which made Christmas special for thousands of children in Neshoba, Newton, Kemper and Lauderdale counties in Mississippi.

"I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of the Marines and the community," said Mary Welch, who along with her husband, Steve, are the commanders of the Salvation Army in Meridian. "We had a 40 percent increase in those who registered for assistance this year. This is truly a blessing."

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Anthony Walker, 2010 Toys for Tots coordinator, said the contributions from the community, both in the amount of toys and in the money raised, has been outstanding.

"I really can't put my finger on it as to why we did so much better this year than in years past," said Walker. "Regardless of the reason, this just proves the giving and compassionate nature of the people in this community."

In addition to the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots also donated to the Wesley House Community Center, as well as several area churches.

"This year was a testament to the community who came out in a big way – an unexpected way. We had Marines out in the community every weekend for two months. I think the community enjoyed seeing the Marines working hard for Toys for Tots," said Walker.

For more news from Naval Air Station Meridian, visit www.navy.mil/local/nasmeridian/.