Oxford Girl Scouts Collect Toys for Children

and their families from all over Oxford met Thursday night at to celebrate the holidays by donating toys to the less fortunate and sharing the joys of a good old fashioned sing along.

A total of 190 girls from 18 Girl Scout Troops collected toys for the Marine Corps Reserve's “Toys for Tots” program. A nationally recognized program, "Toys for Tots" collects and distributes toys to deserving local families, through toy drives, individual donations and group efforts. ()

Accepting the toys on behalf of the Marine Corps Reserves were Oxford resident and retired Staff Sgt. Randall Wilson, and Cpl. Bernstein from Joint Base
McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, based in Golf Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Artillery Regiment.

“The Marines were so appreciative,” said event organizer Amy Bothwell, Oxford Girl Scout Troop leader.  “They asked if we would do it again next year."

Each troop performed a song and dance routine, ranging from traditional favorites like Jingle Bells, to new hits like Santa Fever. At the conclusion of the festivities, the girls formed a "bucket brigade" to load the toys from under the Christmas tree to a waiting box truck.

With the hectic pace of modern life, we sometimes forget that the true spirit of Christmas is about giving. Thanks to the Marine Corps Reserve's "Toys for Tots" volunteers and Oxford Girl Scouts for providing us with an example of helping our community and having fun while doing it.

If you would like to help support the local Marine Corps Reserve's "Toys for Tots" program, visit: http://new-haven-ct.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.asp or the national site: http://www.toysfortots.org/.