Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes staff are sharing their love during the holiday season making sure that all children in the Great Lakes area have gifts to open on Christmas day.

Led by the TSC Holiday Committee and Petty Officers Association, Sailors are busy collecting gifts for two organizations that assist in the lives of kids during the winter season. Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts, and The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program which provides gifts of new clothing and toys to thousands of children who otherwise might not have anything for Christmas.

Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Guldeep Kaur and Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Brandon Dedo lead the charge to collect for Toys for Tots. Over 300 toys have been collect in each of the barracks, TSC Headquarters, and TSC Training building.

"This program is extremely important for our sailors to take part in, in my opinion," Kaur said. "It gives students and staff the opportunity to help put a smile on a child's face and help ease some of the financial burden on parents during this time. As service members, we receive a great deal of respect from the public and I think events like this help give us an opportunity to return that respect and build and maintain positive relationships with our communities."

She packed a large van and a pick-up truck with gifts to be brought to the Salvation Army.

"The holidays are my favorite time of the year because of the enormous amount of good will and love that is spread," Kaur said. "I don't think any family should be lacking in their celebrations. I know that materialistic gift are never as important as the love families share but to a child, a simple toy could mean just as much. Being given the chance to help organize this program for TSC this year has been incredible."
Well over 300 toys have been collect for the Angel Tree Program and more are coming in daily. Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Carinna Pfeifer and Engineman 2nd Class Yurika Loza has led the effort to meet the wishes from Great Lakes area children.

"I enjoy making others happy," Pfeifer said. "I volunteered to assist in the program to get the word out on the good the Angel Tree program does. It is my wish to make sure all the gifts staff and students are donating at the drop-off locations are gathered, delivered and distributed to children making their holiday special."

Pfeifer is a strong advocate of helping the community wherever she is stationed, and feels during the holidays is a perfect time to show her love to children who are less fortunate.

"Words can't even describe the feeling myself or Petty Officer Loza have knowing that children are going to have gifts to open for the Holidays," she said. "Knowing we have helped hundreds of families bring smiles to kids' faces brings tears to our eyes. It is truly an indescribable feeling."

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