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On Tuesday, November 27 th The Massachusetts State Police and members of the United States Marine Corps Reserve hosted a media event and toy drive at the State Police South Boston Barracks to promote the 60 th Annual United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. The Toys for Tots Program collects toys each year during the holiday season and distributes them as Christmas gifts to needy children.
For over 20 years, the Massachusetts State Police has partnered with the United States Marine Corps in providing drop-off areas for toys donated to Toys for Tots. As in years past, this year people can drop-off new, unwrapped toys at any State Police Barracks through Friday December 14 th. This holiday season there is a specific need for toys designed for children under 2-years-old and for non-violent toys for children ages 9-12. With over 13 million children currently living in poverty, Toys for Tots needs your help now more than ever to achieve its goal of delivering, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.
At the event, Colonel Mark Delaney of the State Police stated, "The Massachusetts State Police
is honored to continue its 20 year partnership with the United States Marine Corps in providing drop-off areas for toys donated to the Toys for Tots Program." Lieutenant Colonel Kelly Houlgate of the United States Marine Corps thanked the Massachusetts State Police for its continued support for Toys for Tots but highlighted this year's need for donations by stating, "As we get into December, we are once again in begging mode, we do need toys, we are short." The event concluded with Lieutenant Colonel Houlgate announcing a large donation to Transitions at Devens, a transitional housing program that currently serves 15 single mothers and their families. Program Coordinator Shakeerah McLeod of Transitions at Devens thanked the Marine Corps for its donation, stating that the toys will "help the program ensure a Merry Christmas for all 32 of the children currently living at our facility".
Individuals looking for more information on how they can contribute to Toys for Tots may visit the program's website at http://www.toysfortots.org/
