The employees of Red River Defense Complex are truly in the giving spirit.
The annual Toys for Tots campaign, sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps, made a stop at Red River Army Depot Dec. 11, 2008, to collect approximately 400 bicycles and tricycles, along with hundreds of other toys and non-perishable food items.
"This is my first year being involved in Toys for Tots and I'm shocked by the amount of support Red River has given to the campaign," said Capt. Mike Milburn, of the D.A. Carson Reserve Center, 6th Motor Transportation Battalion, 4th Marine Logistic Group, Bulk Fuel Platoon. "With the economy being what it is, there will be many happy kids this year."
Employees from around the complex helped the Marines load the bicycles, toys and other items onto the trucks. The Heavy Expanded Medium Tactical Truck division, made up of 220 employees, donated 95 bicycles to this year's campaign.
"We wanted to do all we can to help our community," said Tim Pennigton, chief of the axle and cab section of the Heavy and Medium Tactical Division. "The only reason I'm involved in Toys for Tots is for the kids. There are many less fortunate in our area and we're just people with big hearts." Red River Defense Complex members have played a huge part in supporting this program, having donated approximately 20,000 toys in the two decades of participation.
Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children.
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