News Release: November 1, 2006

What: U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Media Launch
Where: Central Library Children’s Dept., Third Floor, 600 Soledad
When: 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 1, 2006

The United States Marine Corps Reserves will launch its local 2006 Toys for Tots campaign at San Antonio Public Library’s Central Library on Wednesday, November 1 at 10:30 a.m. San Antonio Public Library is the program’s leading public donation site, and will accept donations of new, unwrapped toys at all 23 library locations across the city.

Local Target Stores employees will also be on hand, making a generous donation of new toys to fill the first of the library’s collection boxes. Other guests will include Marine Reservists GySgt Stephen McClendon and Sgt. Henry Idar, Library Director Ramiro Salazar, San Antonio Public Library Staff Association organizer Andrew Gordon, and Toys for Tots spokesperson Anais Bernais.

Toys for Tots provides toys to children who might otherwise go without due to economic hardships and family disturbances, with all local donations distributed within the community. The program also unites San Antonians in a common cause during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign and contributes to improving the future of the community.

“We want the community to know that although the Library is a City service, as individuals, we care about our neighbors. Many of us are very fortunate in our daily lives, and we should all make an effort to help those who need a hand,” said Andrew Gordon. “By bringing Toys for Tots into such visible, established locations, we hope to encourage library users and all San Antonians to make a toy donation. We’re opening our doors and inviting everyone to open their hearts to bring a smile to a child’s face.”

Posted/Updated: 11/08/2006