Service members assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) Detachment (Det.) Eglin have teamed up to support the annual U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Reserve Toys for Tots Program.

The drive is designed to provide new toys for underprivileged children during the holiday season.

Detachment Senior Enlisted Advisor USMC Master Sergeant Duke T. Higgs said Marines and Sailors are collecting new unwrapped toys at various events and locations in the Destin and Fort Walton Beach area.

"CNATT Detachment Eglin's support of the Toys for Tots Program helps less fortunate children throughout the local communities experience the joy of Christmas, and allows us to play an active role in the development of one of our nation's most valuable resources, our children," he said

Higgs also said the 131 volunteers this year will be participating in more than 50 Toys for Tots events outside of area department stores and shops, and that 2015 represents the sixth consecutive year the detachment has supported the U.S. Marine Corps initiative.

Local toy collections began in October and will last until mid to late December, with toy distribution occurring in mid to late December. Community members are encouraged to drop new, unwrapped toys in collection boxes positioned in local businesses, at collection points historically manned by U.S. Marines in dress uniform.

Coordinators pick up the toys and store them in central warehouses where the they are sorted by age and gender. During the holiday season, coordinators, with the assistance of local social welfare agencies, church groups, and other local community agencies, distribute the toys to less fortunate community children.

CNATT Det. Eglin develops, delivers and supports aviation technical training necessary to sustain the 5th generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and is a part of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT).

CNATT is the technical training agent for the Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE), an organization designed to advance and sustain naval aviation warfighting capabilities at an affordable cost, and is the largest training center under the Naval Education and Training Command.

For more news from Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, visit http://www.navy.mil/.