ALMD Wraps Up Toys for Tots 2021 Drive
By being excellent role models and setting an example for others to emulate, Marines, through Toys for Tots, perform passive mentoring. Economically disadvantaged children who receive toys through the Toys for Tots program have an opportunity to observe first hand how young men and women, just like themselves, have achieved success. Youngsters readily recognize that Marines achieve their success through adherence to the highest standards of discipline, grooming, patriotism, physical fitness and moral character.
The fact that Marines are trained for combat and are prepared to face nearly unendurable hardships is not lost on needy children. Nor is the fact lost that these same combat trained Marines find time to be compassionate for the less fortunate members of America’s society. Even more importantly, children are impressed by the willingness of Marines to work overtime to do something for them. Marines set an example for youngsters to strive to emulate.
Experts, who are knowledgeable of Toys for Tots, conclude that Toys for Tots has the potential to have the requisite positive influence on the development of needy youngsters. Concurrently, actual accounts from individuals reveal that Toys for Tots has motivated youngsters to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.
It is important to point out that U. S. Marines continually improve the Toys for Tots program. For example, from 1947 through 1979, Marines distributed new and used toys at Christmas. Since Christmas 1980, Marines have distributed only new toys. One of the principal reasons for the change was that delivering a “hand-me-down” toy sent the wrong message. A second hand toy gives a youngster the impression that he or she is a “second-class” citizen, worthy only of someone’s cast-off toys. Marines want to create and enhance self-esteem and deliver a message of hope. This can only come in the form of a new toy.
This year, the Alabama Middle District's Toys for Tots drive resulted in five large boxes with toys for all ages, including two bicycles. The ALMD also has several hundred dollars’ worth of donations by check that will be donated to the Marines. Judge Huffaker and his chambers staff delivered all of the toys collected this year.