U.S. Marines Deliver a Merry Christmas to Underprivileged Children in Yaounde

January 4, 2012

Yaoundé, Cameroon – U.S. Marines take a family photograph with the children at the Foyer Saint-Augustine Orphanage after the donation of toys. [Photo by U.S. Embassy Yaoundé]

The United States Embassy Marine Security Guard Detachment Yaoundé, Cameroon donated more than 200 toys to under privileged children at the Foyer Saint-Augustine Orphanage on Friday, December 23, 2011. The event was part of the global U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. More than 30 children experienced the gift of giving and receiving.

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. The toys were donated by members of the Cameroon-based U.S. Embassy community, both civilian and military. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible and productive citizens.

The collection and distribution of toys takes place each year in every community around the world where a U.S. Marine Corps Unit is located.  

Detachment Commander, Gunnery Sergeant, Angel Rodriquez said “the United States Marines believe it is important to help people whenever you can; especially children. We are proud to sponsor the Toys for Tots program here in Yaoundé, Cameroon.”