Thanksgiving, Toys for Tots, Toys R Us.

Fall is almost over, our trees are fluttering with the leaves that will soon drop and be blown away.

At this time of year I give thanks for so many things.  The beauty that surrounds us, the blessings we share with one another, and the magnificence of each day. 

We are blessed to gather with friends and family for Thanksgiving. So many don't have the plump turkey and all the trimmings or the smiling faces to bless at such an event. We wish that their lives improve with understanding, love, kindness, and appreciation for living in this amazing country. Where there is opportunity, if a person is willing to work with caring and consideration for each other.

 

This last week  Ralph and I participated again in gathering toys for Toys for Tots.  The Griswold Mountain Detachment 1121 of the Marine Corp League was in front of  True Value Store in Oakhurst. watch for them next at Von's in Oakhurst.

It was so much fun to chat with our neighbors in the mountains, to be part of their generosity for the Mountain Area children. New Toys were bought at True Value, and  True Value donated toys equal for the ones purchased.  People that did not purchase toys, donated monies that is used for purchasing toys and gifts. California has been very dry for a long time, and that day it was raining, it did not dampen anyone's enthusiasm for participating in this wonderful tradition.

Yesterday, Monday, many of us got up in the dark to drive to Fresno to Toys R Us..  They opened early, especially for  5 Marines and spouses to pick out gifts for Boys and Girls, ages, 3-18. Trucks and Vans were used to haul all the goodies to a ware house, named the North Pole.

 Baskets were filled with lots of fun items, Balls, Dolls, Bags, Toy Cars, you name it went into the bags.

Hello Kitty, seems to be popular this year ..

 

Thank you Toys R Us for supporting this project.

Just a few of the Marines and their spouses before we left with the cars, vans, and trucks full of toys.
There will be more work in the weeks before Christmas. Toys will be picked up at the various locations around town, all toys are then sorted according to age, and gender.  Then delivered to the various places that give the toys out. Some have Santa's in attendance, a party, and refreshments. 

The Big thanks goes to all the Marine Elves and their helpers, and the generosity of all the people that donate to make children smile at this time of year.  

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving