Raiderdrive, Inc and Raiderettes-BASD help the US Marines make a difference for those in need.

By Barbara Mason
Raiderdrive.com/BASD
Published/Illustrations by Larry Garcia

Fifty-six years ago, Major Bill Hendricks was just settling into a military career with the United States Marine Corps, never dreaming that a single act of kindness by his wife would turn into a nationwide toy drive for needy children.  It was back in 1947 when Hendricks’ wife made a Raggedy Ann doll and asked that it be given to a needy child.  This was the conception of the “Toys for Tots” program that we know and love today.  The Marines collected nearly 500 toys in that first year, and 56 years later those numbers have increased to a staggering 7 million toys a year.  Last year in the San Jose area alone, 151,000 toys were given out to the children.  “This year we are looking forward to either meeting that mark or exceeding that mark up to 200,000 kids,” said project coordinator Staff Sergeant Brian Worbington.  This is Worbington’s first year in this position and he will be hard at work in this effort for at least two more years.  “You can’t put it into words when you hand a kid a toy and they are thinking that they aren’t getting anything for Christmas.  You actually put a smile on their face and a tear in their mother’s eye.  It’s quite gratifying,” Worbington expressed.

There are 477 sites that conduct this drive each Christmas, San Jose being the sixth largest.  Set in the dazzling extravaganza, “Christmas in the Park,” no more worthy backdrop exists.  The toy drive this year was filled with excitement as the Marines were able to fill an entire bus from stem to stern thanks to the love and kindness of strangers.  These busy elves moved barrel after barrel of toys into the bus where it was sent to their warehouse.  It doesn’t end there, as the marines get right down to work dividing the toys into appropriate age groups.  They distribute the goods to 148 non-profit organizations, as well as individual needy families.

What could make the unseasonably warm day even brighter than two additional beautiful elves, Yoshi (photo left-Yoshi right and Erica left) and Erica, two of “Football’s Fabulous Females.”  One of the things that the Raiderettes are known for all over the globe is helping out in times of need.  Their dazzling smiles warmed the hearts of the many children who stopped by to say ‘hi’ while their parents contributed to the drive.  They both admitted that they couldn’t remember having so much fun at an event and even voiced a definite interest in coming out to next year’s event.

Besides the organizations that the Marines help out each year, there is also a toy giveaway on December 22 in San Jose where over 10,000 kids assemble to receive their gift, as well as being able to meet with the original jolly old elf, Santa himself. In fact, there are twenty or thirty bilingual Santa Clauses present.  Santa’s special helpers, the United States Marines, are always on hand to help distribute those goodies to the kids.

There is still time for anyone interested in donating or even putting in a toy request.  You can contact the Marines at (408) 286-6501.  Many thanks go to Staff Sergeant Brian Worbington and Silvia Manker for their hours of hard work and also for allowing us to cover this wonderful event.

This story would not be complete without wishing all of our Armed Forces worldwide happy holidays and extending our gratitude for their commitment to ensuring our safety and freedom.  Words can’t express how much we cherish the sacrifice that they so graciously and bravely make each day.  Our hope is that soon they will all be with those that love them so dearly, celebrating the holidays at home once more.