Meet Samantha and Melissa!
As the holidays approach, live civilly Community Service Club Members Samantha and Melissa K. are hard at work on their Second Annual Toys for Tots Collection Campaign (12/5 through 12/15). Toys for Tots is a national campaign run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve that provides toys to children during the holiday season. Samantha and Melissa have been live civilly Community Service Club Members, Environmental Elves and have participated in a variety of programs through our organization. Today, live civilly gets the chance to support them as they engage in their Second Annual Toys for Tots campaign!
The local chapter of Toys for Tots serves Burlington County and fulfills the Mission of the national program. “The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.” For those who are unfamiliar with Toys for Tots, “the objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.” (http://mt-laurel-nj.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/about-local-toys-for-tots.aspx).
Samantha and Melissa contacted live civilly again this fall to ask if they could team up with us to run their collection. Live 
Civilly is so proud to be able to support the youth in our community doing good things! Samantha told us, “I am helping Toys for Tots again this year because this organization helps hundreds of families in the community who are not as fortunate as I am. I am supporting Toys for Tots because I hate the idea of kids not having toys for the holidays. Toys for Tots makes sure kids have a happy holiday. I hope that all who donate know they are making a huge difference for lots of children during the holiday season. I’m glad I get to do this with my friends and help the community at the same time.”
Melissa echoed her sisters statement by adding, “I help with Toys for Tots every year. I find it important that during the holidays kids should be with their families and feel included. Toys for Tots is an organization that collects toys to donate to families in need. Sometimes kids don’t realize how fortunate they are. I like the organization Toys for Tots because other kids feel special. It always feels nice when you help someone in need. I feel that everyone should do their part in helping and by giving back. After all, holidays are supposed to be the best time of the year – so let’s make it just that!”
This year, the sisters’ Toys for Tots collection will start at the Community House Tree Lighting, Monday, December 5 at 5:30 PM. Additional drop locations for this Toys for Tots effort are the Upper Elementary School lobby and the WAMS lobby. For those interested in supporting local businesses Happy Hippo Toys on the corner of Church and Main Streets will offer a 10% discount to patrons who show them this blog beginning on Saturday, December 3 (through December 15)! Present this blog at check out to receive your discount!
The season of giving is in full swing in the live civilly Nation of people helping people helping people helping people!