My first hands on experience with the “Toys for Tots” program began in September of 1968 on my return from a tour of duty in Vietnam as the Company Commander of Marines in the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division when I assumed the duties of Inspector & Instructor, Company “A” (120mm), 8th Tank Battalion, Fleet Marine Forces (Reserves) in Rome, GA. Assisted by 8 active duty Marines, my primary duties were to train reserve personnel as tankers, all veterans returning from Vietnam.
It didn't take me long to realize that my ‘secondary” duties would occupy 80% of my time. They included, Reserve Recruiter, Marine Spokesman speaking at the Kiwanis, Rotary, Optimist and other organizations, Coordinator for the Toys for Tots program and, my least favorite, Condolence and Casualty Assistance Officer.
When I asked the Officer I was relieving what the tank training schedule for the Sept. reserve drill weekend would be, he replied, “It's Toys for Tots time.”
During Sept, Oct, Nov, and Dec, reserve drill weekends were dedicated to the collection and repair of usable toys. The gym in the Armory was transformed into a toy rehab assembly line, the biggest of which was the bike/wagon line where reserve personnel would salvage usable parts from old bikes and wagons, repair, repaint, oil, grease, etc. to make "nearly new" serviceable units. The same was done with all the other toys we received because that was the age before today's “new unwrapped toys”.The whole city of Rome, GA. and surrounding Coosa County were in full support of this program. The collection barrels had to be picked up every week and we had a constant flow of citizens coming to the Armory to drop off usable toys their children no longer needed or desired. Additionally, handmade dolls, etc. were lovingly created and donated.
At the suggestion of one of the reservists, our unit developed a unique activity to get more new toys. With the cooperation of the Coosa Valley Sherriff’s Department we acquired derelict autos and then raffled tickets to qualified tankers for the opportunity to drive a tank over them. During the Nov. drill weekend we held a public open house to view the tank vs. auto demonstration and charged a new toy as the price of admission. The proceeds from the raffle were used to purchase new toys at a discount from a local vendor. It was a huge success.
I have been involved with the Tee off for Tots golf program in Las Vegas for the past eight years and can think of no more worthwhile and rewarding time spent.
