PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – The Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF) workforce participated in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots campaign for the first time this year. The shipyard-wide effort gathered more than 1,000 toys to support the Navy League of the United States (NLUS) Honolulu Council’s effort in lieu of its annual Toys for Tots golf tournament that was suspended due to COVID-19.
“The shipyard’s participation in our Toys for Tots drive this year was a fantastic effort that ensured we were able to support the program in a robust way despite COVID-19’s challenges,” Jane Ferreira, NLUS Honolulu Council Executive Director. “Not only did the shipyard’s generosity provide more than 1,000 toys for our community, volunteers even picked up boxes from local businesses across town and delivered them to our office. This is just another example of the strong, reciprocal relationship between the Honolulu Council and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.”
In its 73rd year, Toys for Tots program relies on local communities to support its goal to collect new, unwrapped toys for children and families who may need a helping hand during the holiday season. Each year, Toys for Tots relies on local businesses and communities to support their goal to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute them to less fortunate children in the community.
The Morale, Welfare and Recreation Committee of Shop 51 (Code 980, Electrical) was a driving force in collecting toys. As a team, they decided to participate in the drive knowing how hard 2020 was for so many families.
“At a time of uncertainty for most people, we are very fortunate to have an income. Many had to worry about how to pay for housing and put food on their tables. Fortunately, we didn’t. Therefore, during the holiday season we wanted to do our part and give back to our community. We felt Toys for Tots would be the best way for us to brighten the holiday spirit,” said Dorothy Chong-Marzau, Shop 51 electrical mechanic.
Chief Petty Officer Ronald Ugalde led the effort to assist the Honolulu Council in retrieving collection boxes from locations across the island of O’ahu.
This new opportunity to partner with the NLUS Honolulu Council was so successful that each organization is looking forward to expanding the effort next holiday season.
For more information on how to donate toys to children in need, visit the Toys for Tots Foundation website at www.toysfortots.org.