Community Builders: The Fighting Machinist

By Laura Vesco
Reporter
Published: December 17, 2008

Remember when you were a child how exciting it was on Christmas morning to creep down the stairs discovering what Santa Claus brought you?
   
Not every child has that experience.

Toys for Tots, a US Marine Corps program, is trying to collect enough presents for needy children, but our economic situation is making it tough.

Congressman Walter B. Jones is getting some help from a special group collecting donations for Toys for Tots.

For years Walter B. Jones has supported Toys for Tots using his own office as a drop off site.

But this year, it’s a different story.

So the local Lodge 2297, known as “The Fighting Machinist” with Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, is giving a helping hand.

Traveling all the way from Havelock, the group hauled 1000 dollars worth of toys!

Anothony Cruz says they wanted to donate because Toys for Tots touches them on a very personal level.

They’re simple gifts that will mean the world to a child this Christmas.

Cruz hopes you will remember it’s the season of giving and the perfect time to build your community.