1 00:00:00,520 --> 00:00:02,240 - [Shane] The holidays are approaching, 2 00:00:02,240 --> 00:00:05,850 and one way to spread some cheer is through Toys For Tots, 3 00:00:05,850 --> 00:00:09,080 a program that has provided millions of needy children 4 00:00:09,080 --> 00:00:12,060 with toys since 1947. 5 00:00:12,060 --> 00:00:15,640 This year, Marines stationed at Westover Air Reserve Base 6 00:00:15,640 --> 00:00:18,480 kicked off the Toys For Tots season with a gathering 7 00:00:18,480 --> 00:00:20,370 at Springfield City Hall. 8 00:00:20,370 --> 00:00:21,750 - We had a great kick off of it this morning 9 00:00:21,750 --> 00:00:23,170 with the mayor of Springfield. 10 00:00:23,170 --> 00:00:25,110 He was able to go in there, and present some facts 11 00:00:25,110 --> 00:00:26,750 about Toys for Tot Foundation. 12 00:00:26,750 --> 00:00:28,500 He was able to bring in the superintendent 13 00:00:28,500 --> 00:00:30,980 for the Springfield schools, and also Veteran Affairs. 14 00:00:30,980 --> 00:00:32,170 So they were able to go in there, 15 00:00:32,170 --> 00:00:33,487 and was able to hand him the first official toy 16 00:00:33,487 --> 00:00:34,670 for the season. 17 00:00:34,670 --> 00:00:36,080 That way we have our first official toy, 18 00:00:36,080 --> 00:00:38,252 we can actually start collecting. 19 00:00:38,252 --> 00:00:40,910 - Great program that's existed for years, 20 00:00:40,910 --> 00:00:43,130 we're happy to be part of it in the city of Springfield, 21 00:00:43,130 --> 00:00:45,460 and Springfield School department. 22 00:00:45,460 --> 00:00:47,560 And it's our kids that benefit from this, 23 00:00:47,560 --> 00:00:49,990 and I think every child should have a toy 24 00:00:49,990 --> 00:00:51,930 at Christmas, and it's a wonderful thing. 25 00:00:51,930 --> 00:00:53,670 So, we're happy to be part of it. 26 00:00:53,670 --> 00:00:55,610 We're very appreciative. 27 00:00:55,610 --> 00:00:58,210 - [Shane] Now that the campaign has officially begun, 28 00:00:58,210 --> 00:01:02,240 Vopal and his team hope to match last years donations. 29 00:01:02,240 --> 00:01:04,480 - In the previous years, I have seen that this area 30 00:01:04,480 --> 00:01:07,594 had up to 60 thousand children apply 31 00:01:07,594 --> 00:01:09,720 and were able to receive toys, so I'd like to 32 00:01:09,720 --> 00:01:11,400 at least get to that, match that number. 33 00:01:11,400 --> 00:01:12,833 - [Shane] Western Massachusetts families 34 00:01:12,833 --> 00:01:15,870 interested in receiving a toy should visit 35 00:01:15,870 --> 00:01:20,870 westernmasstoysfortots.org, and fill out a request form. 36 00:01:20,930 --> 00:01:22,390 - I can't help if they don't apply. 37 00:01:22,390 --> 00:01:24,370 So, I'd like every children that needs a toy 38 00:01:24,370 --> 00:01:26,420 to be able to apply, that we can track them, 39 00:01:26,420 --> 00:01:28,330 help them, and get them the toy they deserve 40 00:01:28,330 --> 00:01:29,163 for Christmas. 41 00:01:29,163 --> 00:01:31,460 - [Shane] Westover Air Reserve Base personnel 42 00:01:31,460 --> 00:01:34,060 are encouraged to participate in the toy drive. 43 00:01:34,060 --> 00:01:36,560 Drop boxes are located around base, 44 00:01:36,560 --> 00:01:39,420 including the Marine building, fitness center, 45 00:01:39,420 --> 00:01:41,160 and base headquarters. 46 00:01:41,160 --> 00:01:43,730 Participants are asked to leave any new, 47 00:01:43,730 --> 00:01:46,240 unwrapped toy appropriate for children 48 00:01:46,240 --> 00:01:49,400 between the ages of newborn and 14 years, 49 00:01:49,400 --> 00:01:51,810 in any of the drop boxes. 50 00:01:51,810 --> 00:01:53,700 - So, we'd ask for a new, unwrapped toy 51 00:01:53,700 --> 00:01:55,920 to please be delivered to our drop sites. 52 00:01:55,920 --> 00:01:57,620 That way we can collect it, account for it, 53 00:01:57,620 --> 00:01:59,530 and also get it back out to the local families 54 00:01:59,530 --> 00:02:01,400 before the 24th of December. 55 00:02:01,400 --> 00:02:04,380 Toys For Tots program is the foundation, 56 00:02:04,380 --> 00:02:05,950 one of the big center points for us giving back, 57 00:02:05,950 --> 00:02:08,693 and keeping us here and helping our local communities.