The millions of toys given each year by the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program is renown, but the program provided one Illinois family a priceless gift — the chance to teach their children about compassion, and see that compassion in action.
It started when Miles Calderon was told he could invite as many friends as he wanted to his ninth birthday party this month. The youngster took up the offer, and nearly two dozen kids were confirmed for a day of fun at a local sports facility. Miles' mom, Laura, thought so many gifts might be a bit much, especially so close to Christmas.
But the birthday boy had an idea: Instead of bringing him gifts, each friend could contribute to a charity. Miles selected Toys for Tots, which is run by the Marine Corps Reserve. Though the family has no real ties to the Marine Corps, the commercials and advertisements had left an impression on the youngster.
"I decided to collect toys for Toys for Tots from my friends instead of getting birthday presents because I wanted kids to feel good at Christmas," he said. "It made me feel good to do it."
Joined by a couple of friends and his little sister, Miles journeyed to a collection point in Chatham, Illinois, just south of Springfield. The toys he and his friends donated He filled an entire drop box all by himself.
"He was very excited about it," said Laura, Miles' mother. "I thought there might be some hesitation when he first saw all the toys at his party, but there was none at all. He was just happy that there would be lots of kids that would have a good Christmas."
The proud mother was equally grateful for the Toys for Tots program, which she credited as giving her an opportunity to teach her kids about compassion and helping others in need. Many parents whose children attended the birthday party also commented on the "great teaching experience" the program offered, she said.
Toys for Tots delivered 18 million toys to 7 million children last year, according to the program’s annual report. Local campaigns were conducted in 759 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. The foundation supplemented that effort with more than 3.5 million toys valued at $54 million.
