Top Three offers Airmen a coin for a toy Published March 18, 2013 By Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Around this time every year, Santa receives help from the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation. This year, the Marines received help from their Dobbins wingmen. The Top Three collected $1400 in the form of toys at the Dobbins Consolidated Club this holiday season. The Senior NCOs gave an extra incentive to all Airmen to encourage them donate a toy this year - a commemorative Dobbins Airshow coin. While most Airmen accepted the coin gratefully, the passion for the cause was not lost in the unfailing commitment and dedication to Toys for Tots. "We had people donate more than once, or pull up with bags and bags of toys," said Senior Master Sgt. Joy Hughes, Top Three president. "Someone brought over four toys. She didn't want a coin, just said she had four kids and wanted to make sure other kids have toys." The mission of the Top Three "Coins for Toys" drive was to collect new, unwrapped toys in time to deliver to the Toys for Tots foundation. In turn, the foundation will deliver the message of hope to less fortunate children, through the gift of toys this Christmas. "The mission of Toys for Tots is simple," said Gunnery Sgt. Jason Tollette, Marine Corps Reserve Center chief of motor transport. "Get a toy for every kid that needs one. There are a lot of kids out there that need toys. The 94th AW Senior NCOs helped by bringing in 600 toys. Six hundred may not sound like a lot, but if everybody brought in 600 toys our goal would easily be met." The Top Three plans on coordinating a toy drive next year as well, according to Hughes. Upcoming events for the Top Three include a 5-k run fundraiser and a lecture series by Dale Carnegie Jr. For more information on the Top Three, please contact Hughes at joy.hughes.1@us.af.mil. For more information on the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation, click here.
