PLANNING — Kleberg-Kenedy County Toys for Tots Campaign Coordinators and local business owners Lisa and Jerry Bockholt visit with Maj. USMC (Ret.) Brian Murray, Vice President, Operations, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation during annual coordinators conference. For the 22nd year in a row, local business owners Jerry and Lisa Bockholt have been named as local Toys for Tots Campaign Coordinators, and approved by the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to conduct a campaign throughout Kleberg-Kenedy County.

In preparation for the 2009 effort, the Bockholt’s recently attended the Fifth Annual Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s Coordinators Conference.

The two and a half day organizational meeting, held in Alexandria, Va., focused on the training and education of U.S. Marine Corps Reserve personnel and local community organization civilian volunteer coordinators.

The conference’s primary goal is to help the coordinators have a more successful local campaign, while enhancing the spirit of teamwork among all members of the Toys for Tots team, especially the working relationships between coordinators and members of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation staff.

Over 500 Marine reservists, Marine Corps Detachment League representatives, and civilian campaign coordinators were in attendance.

Campaign policies and procedures were reviewed by Marine Toys for Tots Foundation staff members and presentations were made by nationwide toy vendors and Toys for Tots sponsors such as Toys R Us.

“Each year, campaign coverage and public awareness across the country increases. This has resulted in Toys for Tots becoming the nations’ largest known toy collection and distribution effort to assist less fortunate families during the holiday season. Toys for Tots is the U.S. Marine Corps’ principal and premier community outreach program.

Therefore, it is imperative all active duty, reserve, retired, or civilian volunteers, adhere to the rules established by the U.S. Marine Corps, and the guidelines published by the Foundation, “ said Major (USMC Ret.) Brian Murray, Vice President for Operations, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

Since there is no Marine Reserve Unit presence in this geographic area, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation guidelines allow for the establishment of a local campaign manned by civilian volunteers.

“For twenty two consecutive years, the Bockholt’s have demonstrated a long-standing commitment towards the success of this program, and have continued to uphold the highest principles and values of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation,” added Maj. Murray.

The local campaign officially kicks off with a press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Stop-n-Lube Quick Oil Change & Car Care Center, which serves as Campaign Headquarters.

For more information, or to get your group or organization involved in this year’s campaign, contact Lisa Bockholt at 595-0909.