First Lady Michelle Obama Collects Toys for Kids in Need

First Lady Michelle Obama collects toys from military children during a Toys for Tots event at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Distribution Center in Washington, D.C., Dec. 19, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

This afternoon, First Lady Michelle Obama visited Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C. to deliver hundreds of toys that Executive Office of the President staff donated to the United States Marine Corps' Toys for Tots campaign, an annual holiday toy drive. After delivering the toys, she thanked volunteers for their hard work and dedication this holiday season:

I want to thank all of you and all of the volunteers and donors for Toys for Tots running year after year. One thing I always say is that I don’t know if people realize everything it takes to make this happen -- the thousands of hours that go into making this drive possible.

Mrs. Obama also thanked military families for all they do throughout the year, while still finding time to run programs like Toys for Tots.  

Most people don’t understand that you do all of this service on top of all of the challenges that you face as servicemembers and as military families. And that’s the example that I think the rest of the country needs to see -- that even in the midst of your challenges, you find a way to give back to those less fortunate. 

And that’s what makes me proud. That’s what makes me want to step up and do whatever I can to support this effort and to support you all as men and women, and as young men and women -- young heroes, our military kids, who do so much sacrificing. And I really don’t know how you all do it....But I am grateful that you are who you are, and that you make those sacrifices. 
 

First Lady Michelle Obama participates in the sorting of toys during a Toys for Tots service project at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Toys for Tots Distribution Center in Washington, D.C., December 19, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

She then encouraged everyone to do his or her part, no matter how big or small:

I just want to make sure that…people know that Toys for Tots is still looking for donations.  We are -- these folks work until the bitter end. And if you want to donate, you can go to the Toys for Tots website, you can donate online. Or you can look up the nearest location in your community online, and just use the drop-off method.

 For more information:

• Read more about this year's holiday theme, which pays tribute to our troops, veterans, and their families.
• Find out where you can donate locally to Toys for Tots
• Learn more about Joining Forces, the First Lady's initiative with Dr. Jill Biden to support veterans and military families.