The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign kicked off recently outside Mission BBQ, 11000 Roosevelt Blvd.
This year’s coordinator is Staff Sgt. Corey Toothman.
Jen Malazita is back as the warehouse manager.
The youth ambassadors are Declan Cassidy, a sophomore at Swenson Arts and Technology High School, and Jasmine Wielgoszinski, a senior at Philadelphia Academy Charter School.
Others attending the Sept. 30 event included Santa Claus; Shannon Sperduto, community ambassador for Mission BBQ; decorated Vietnam War Army veteran David Christian; Al Fiorentino and Chris Hanejko, community relations officers in the 7th and 8th police districts, respectively; members of Engine 62; and active Marines and members of the Marine Corps League.
Fire Department Battalion Chief Tommy Kane sang the Star-Spangled Banner.
To obtain a drop box, to host an event or to request toys, go to philadelphia-pa.toysfortots.org
More information is on the Philadelphia Toys for Tots Facebook page. ••
