The city of Irvine and the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee are inviting community members to join the annual Holiday Toy Drive, providing support and holiday cheer for families of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion.
Running through Dec. 14, the drive accepts new, unwrapped gifts for infants and children up to age 12. Drop-off boxes will be stationed at Irvine City Hall, the Irvine Police Department and the Great Park Visitors Center during business hours.
In 2007, the city adopted 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines at Camp Pendleton to enhance the lives of military personnel and their families. The nonprofit 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee has since provided countless Marines with Christmas parties, baby showers, birthday balls, Halloween treats and Thanksgiving turkeys.
“Over the years, through the extreme generosity of the local community, toys have been provided not only to the 2/11 Marine Battalion but also its sister Marine battalions that do not have toy donations,” says Tina Anderson, president of the 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee. “These toys represent the generosity of the Irvine donors. Sometimes, these are the only toys the families will receive for their children. It is much more than a toy drive: It is a show of care and love for the military families serving far away from where their extended families and friends live. The Marine families are all so very grateful, and Irvine is regarded as the best adopted city due to its community support at the holidays and throughout the year.”
For more information, visit Irvine211Marines.org or call 949‑724-6606.
