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| Toys for Tots: A Holiday Tradition at MITRE January 2011
Thanks to Carlene Osmer and others at MITRE, the Toys for Tots program has become a holiday tradition. For over a decade, Osmer—site administrative leader at MITRE's Huntsville, Ala., office—has helped to support the program, which collects new, unwrapped toys and games for needy children. For those who want to give but don't have time to purchase gifts, she even shops for them. "Some people would prefer to give money instead of going shopping," says Osmer. "I don't mind it at all if the kids benefit from it, and if it will help others contribute. It's about helping kids, and I guess Christmas time brings our attention to certain things, especially where kids are concerned. You want to make sure all kids have something for Christmas." In addition to Huntsville, several other MITRE locations have supported the Toys for Tots Foundation. Jill Braceland and Glenda Affholder headed up the Toys for Tots efforts on MITRE's main campuses in Bedford, Mass., and McLean, Va.; both were sponsored by Hanscom Federal Credit Union. Dee Brower led a similar drive in MITRE's Center for Integrated Intelligence Systems (CIIS) in McLean. CIIS joined Toys for Tots in 2007 by staging a chili cook-off. Participants in this year's CIIS drive were asked to bring in either a donation or a toy worth $5. Says Brower: "The holiday season is for the children and because a lot of families were hit by hard times due to the economy, we wanted to reach out to help the community." The Marine Reserves, which sponsors Toys for Tots, recently honored MITRE for its support. "These generous contributions have enabled us to help fulfill the Christmas dreams of our nation's neediest children," read the award certificate, which was signed by Marine Forces Reserve Lt. Gen. Jack Bergman. At the Children's Holiday Event in Bedford, a Marine in full dress uniform appears to collect the toys. "It's a wonderful photo op for the parents, and it's a great way for the children to understand that the season is as much about giving as it is receiving," says Braceland. The Toys for Tots website has further information on the program, as well as volunteer and donation opportunities. —by Russell Woolard
Page last updated: January 13, 2011 | Top of page |
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