Sunday, November 24, 2002
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Marine Corps shows its softer side through Toys for Tots

Program collects playthings for children of all ages to help other nonprofit agencies fulfill needs

Officially, they're The Few, The Proud. But ask representatives of any of a number of Las Vegas Valley charitable organizations, and they'll probably tell you that the Marines are -- at least at Christmastime -- The Santa's Helpers.

The Marines administer the local Toys for Tots program, last year distributing 40,600 toys to children in Southern Nevada.

"Our main thing is to support other nonprofits," said Sgt. Richard Slider, Toys for Tots coordinator for Las Vegas. The majority of toys distributed through the program, he said, go to local charities, such as HELP of Southern Nevada and the United Way, churches, community organizations and community centers -- dozens of groups, Slider estimated.

Many of those toys are donated by Las Vegas individuals and organizations. Slider said toy-donation barrels are in 65 locations, including AAA offices, Land Rover of Las Vegas, the various Courtesy automobile dealerships, Audio Excellence locations and four spots in Sun City Summerlin. The Marines are looking for new, unwrapped toys. And they especially need toys for the youngest and oldest kids.

"We always get a plethora of toys for that middle group," of about age 6 to 12, "that people think of when they think of kids," Slider said. "We get all kinds of teddy bears and stuffed animals."

What are particularly needed, he said, are toys for children younger than 6 and in the 12-14 age range.

But the Toys for Tots program also accepts monetary donations for the purchase of toys, and periodically has fund-raising events to raise money for toys. Their Tee Off for Tots golf tournament is scheduled for Dec. 7 at Nellis Air Force Base's Sunrise Vista Golf Course.

"A lot of people don't have access to Nellis," Slider said. "It's an excellent opportunity for those golfers who want to go over there and take a look at the base to get access."

The Marines also are assisted with the program by the two local chapters of the Marine Corps League, the Greater Nevada Detachment and Black Mountain Detachment.

"We collect probably a good 500, 600 toys," said Walt Whelehan, commandant of the Greater Nevada Detachment. "We have had checks up to $1,000. We give it directly to the Toys for Tots program."

Whelehan said the Marine Corps League is open to anyone who has served in the Marine Corps and is on active duty, retired or honorably discharged. And associate memberships are available to those who aren't Marines but want to use the detachment's Leatherneck Club and party room.

The Greater Nevada Detachment, Whelehan said, also sponsors scholarships, raising funds through an annual golf tournament and annual ball, both held in the fall.

And, of course, members support the Marines in their Toys for Tots efforts.

"The Marine Corps has the image of being the big, bad Marine Corps," Slider said. "It's nice to go out into the community, and the community to see us making a child smile."

Anyone interested in donating to the Toys for Tots program can drop toys into the designated barrels around the valley or at the Leatherneck Club, 4360 Spring Mountain Road. For information on sponsorships, monetary donations or the golf tournament, call Slider at 632-1501. For information on monetary donations or the Marine Corps League, call the Greater Nevada Detachment at 368-1775.