U.S. Marines On Hand For Nov. 19 "Toys For Tots" Collection Kick-off at Miller YMCA

PRLog (Press Release) - Nov. 10, 2011 - Newbury Park, Calif.--Members of the U.S. Marine Color Guard from  Port Hueneme and the Ronald Reagan Marine Corp. League will accept Toys For Tots toy donations beginning at 9:00 a.m., November 19 at the Miller Family YMCA of Newbury Park (320 Via Las Brisas). The Marines will start the day with a flag ceremony and will be on hand to meet and thank those who donate new unwrapped toys.

"November 19 is the start of the Y's toy collection effort," says Katie Beck, executive director at the Miller Y. "We'll be collecting toys through Christmas Eve. Toys For Tots is a wonderful way to ensure all kids receive a special gift during the holidays."

Marines in Ventura County hope to collect more than 7,000 toys during the holidays. Toys For Tots was created in 1948. Since then, Marines have distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children. From 1947 through 1979, Marines collected and distributed new and used toys.  On Reserve drill weekends during October, November and December, Reserve Marines refurbished the used toys. From Christmas 1980 through the present, Marines have collected and distributed only new toys.

For more information about Toys For Tots, go to http://www.toysfortots.org/.
For more information about the YMCA Toys For Tots drop-off program, call 805-480-0309.

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With branches in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village and Simi Valley, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA serves the communities of Newbury Park, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Rosa Valley, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park.