Friendly Ford supports Toys for Tots for 10 years and counting

The Toys for Tots program from the U.S. Marine Corps is a running tradition at Friendly Ford. Geri Bich, customer care manager, has been in charge of the gift giving for the last 10 years, coordinating the annual program.

"In 2010 it is especially important to help out wherever we can, it is great to see all of our employees get behind this event and help make sure that all the children in our community have a great Christmas," Bich said.

This year the dealership packed a cherry red 2010 Ford Convertible Mustang until it was overflowing with toys.

"When Friendly Ford employees see a need, they fill it. And Friendly Ford employees always come through for the children," said David Culp, general sales manager of Friendly Ford. "It makes us feel good to join with the U.S. Marine Corps and help out this wonderful cause."

The U.S. Marine Corps was in force with Sgt. Ay Yommalat and Staff Sgt. Bernardo Lopez.

"There are pick ups for toys going on all over the city," Lopez said. "It's good to help out less fortunate kids around the Las Vegas Valley and Friendly Ford does a great job year after year."

The toys were turned over to the U.S Marine Corps, which has coordinated the Toys for Tots program since its inception in 1947. Local campaigns are conducted annually in nearly 400 communities covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. At Christmas, the U.S Marine coordinators, with the assistance of local social welfare agencies, church groups and other local community agencies, distribute the toys to needy children of the community.

"A special thank you to the Marines; this is a spectacular program," said Ed Olliges, owner of Friendly Ford. "The toys come from us, the community, and go back directly to the children in our community."

Toys for Tots is the U.S Marine Corps' premier community action program, one of the nation's flagship Christmas charitable causes and the only charitable endeavor within the U.S. Department of Defense which reaches outside the military establishment to make a difference in lives and communities nationwide.

"It is all about the children," added Bich. "Every child should be happy at Christmas."

Friendly Ford is located at 660 N. Decatur Blvd., just north of U.S. Highway 95 -- the same location it has been for 40 years. Call 870-7221 or go to www.friendlyfordlv.com.