USW Local 620 hosts 2nd Annual Toy Drive for Toys for Tots

The United Steelworkers Local 620 Union in Gonzales, LA recently held their 2nd annual holiday toy drive for Toys for Tots. The toy drive started last month and wrapped up this week with the donations being given to Marine Sergeant Ryan Tetrault and Corporal Aldon Tabor on Thursday at the union's monthly meeting.

Rick Smith, USW's Site Chairman at BASF in Geismar said, "I’m a USMC veteran and the Toys For Tots drive is near and dear to my heart. Local 13-620 is all about community and we are excited and eager to pay it forward to the community that supports us throughout the year. Partnering with the Marines during the Christmas season is a chance to spread love to the families that need it and is very gratifying. The United Steel Workers and the Marines will continue this partnership and will make efforts to reach more families each year."

USW Local 620 Holiday Toy Drive for Toys for TotsPhoto bySean Clouatre, USW Local 620

This is the 2nd year that the Local 620 held a holiday toy drive, which is just one of the many other events that the union organizes throughout the year to help assist their community.

Sean Clouatre, President of the USW Local 620 said, "This time of year, we are fortunate enough to help others in need. The Marine Corps rally behind Toys for Tots every year at Christmas time and we are proud to help anyway we can. No child should experience Christmas without gifts. We are just happy our donation and gifts will be able to put a smile on the face of children come Christmas morning."

Clouatre said that in addition to the toys that were donated, a cash donation of $500 dollars was also given to Toys for Tots.

Toys for Tots is a non-profit program that is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. The program was founded in 1947 by Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks and his wife, Diane. Local Toys for Tots donation drives are conducted annually in over 800 communities covering all 50 states during the holiday season.

To learn more about the program, host a toy drive or make a donation, go to Toys for Tots.