The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve posted at the US Embassy is inviting all to be part of their Toys for Tots program. The program has the support of the Círculo Turquesa of the Renaissance Jaragua and Continental Airlines. All are invited to donate a toy and win a trip to New York for three days and two nights for two persons. The activity will take place Monday, 11 December at Champions Sports Bar of the Hotel Renaissance Jaragua from 5 to 8 pm. Santa Claus will be there to take photographs of children who donate a gift for another. Toys for Tots Program is an annual toy collection and distribution campaign conducted in over 300 communities covering all 50 states in the US, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and the DR. Local campaigns begin in October and last until 22 December. Members of the community drop off new, unwrapped toys in collection boxes positioned at local businesses. Coordinators pick up these toys and store them in a central warehouse where the toys are sorted by age and gender. At Christmas, coordinators, with the assistance of local social welfare agencies, church groups and other community agencies distribute toys to the neediest children of the communities. In the DR the program has reached out to local business, where toy boxes are being located for employees to make their own donations. Tourists visiting in Santo Domingo are welcome to drop buy and make a donation of a toy. (4 December 2000)
