Marine Toys for Tots becoming community event Published Dec. 6, 2011 By Samuel King Jr. Team Eglin Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Local Marines in their dress blues can be seen out in force every weekend in December gathering support and most importantly, toys - for their annual Toys for Tots program. Marines from the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 and Navy EOD school, stationed here, teamed up again for the second year of program to bring toys to needy children of the emerald coast. In 2010, less than a year after the stand-up of their squadron, Marines began a local toy drive, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1947. "It's important to give our time and be able to help those less fortunate," said Marine Staff Sgt. David Meyer, a VMFAT-501 maintainer. The toys are collected and sorted by age groups from birth to age 16, then distributed to local charities. More than 30 local charities receive toys from the Toys for Tots program. "The program has grown so much so quickly. It's becoming a community event," said Susan Rood, Toys for Tots regional coordinator and Marine spouse. "Calls come in continuously from people and local businesses looking to help out or donate. It's really been a blessing." The program collected and distributed more than 13,000 toys last year. Rood said the donations will easily exceed that amount this year. To donate or volunteer to Toys for Tots, email: emeraldcoasttoysfortots@gmail.com or visit toysfortots.org.