Marines need help so that no child is left behind for Christmas

When you see a new charity pop up you should really wonder what they are taking away from established charities. There is such a great need in this country for groups needing all kinds of help but the new ones get all the attention. Here's one that has been around for a very long time and right now they are worried about making sure kids have a gift for Christmas to let them know they are not forgotten about.

Marine veterans need donations to help struggling families
By Jason Laday
South Jersey Times
November 19, 2012

EAST GREENWICH TWP. — In 2011, after nine years of providing toys for families in need every Christmas, the Marine veterans of the Semper Fidelis Detachment 204 and its Toys For Tots program fell short.

Despite donations of 47,000 toys, the Marine Corps League, based in Clarksboro, was forced to let 10,000 children whose families signed up for the service go without a present on Christmas. It was the first time the veterans had to turn families way in the program’s nearly decade-long history.

Now in 2012, the program’s 10th year, the Marine Corps League is working hard to prevent that from happening again.

“Last year was the first time we had to cut it off, and it was heartbreaking,” said William Harkins, a decorated Vietnam veteran and lance corporal in the Marines. He coordinates the league’s Toys for Tots program.

“The economy had a lot to do with it, but donations this year have been slow, too,” he added. “Hurricane Sandy knocked us out for three or four days, and that many days during this time of year is a killer.”
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