Airport joins Marines for Toys for Tots Drive Dec. 13

Marines in their dress blue uniforms will accept new, unwrapped toys at the Toys for Tots Drive at Ramona Airport on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Marines, pilots, residents, airport staff and others will collect toys for the annual Marine Corps toy drive. Even pilots from outside Ramona are invited to fly in with donations.

Many airport aircraft and Marine Humvees will be on display at the airport’s public viewing area at 2926 Montecito Road. A special cookout is planned for participants.

“These kids, in some cases, this will be the only gift they receive,” said Bo Donovan, airport manager.

People who want to donate but are unable to be at the airport on Saturday may contact Donovan at 788-3366. He will come to their home or business to pick up the toy, “regardless of where they are,” he said.

“If the only reason they can’t get a toy in that box is they can’t be there, then I’ll come and get it,” said Donovan. “I want to chockfull those Hummers with toys.”

While the need is great every Christmas, it is particularly strong this year because of the economy, Donovan said.

Toys For Tots has distributed more than 370 million toys to more than 173 million needy children since it began in 1947.