Nov. 16, 2005

Annapolis, Md.-- The Naval Academy Athletic Association and the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots program will collect toys at Saturday's football game against Temple.

Collections points will be located at the entry gates on both the Blue and Gold entrances of the stadium. Fans attending the game are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or a cash or check donation for the Toys for Tots program. Kick-off is set for 1:30 pm at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. 19 Million toys were distributed to 7.5 needy children last year, breaking the previous record by more than 4 million toys and 1 million children. The magnitude and impact of that increase is better understood when one considers that 1 million more needy children were able to experience the joy of Christmas in 2004 than 2003, the previous record.