By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
Nov. 19, 2002
U.S. Marines stationed at Naval Air Station Meridian have starting gathering toys for this year's Toys for Tots campaign which benefits needy families at Christmas.
Staff Sgt. Gilbert Ramon, organizer of the local campaign, is asking people to bring new, unwrapped toys to the Meridian Christmas parade on Dec. 5.
The Marines also plan to collect toys from 1 p.m.-8 p.m. on three consecutive Saturdays Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. The locations are: Kay-Bee Toys in Bonita Lakes Mall; Geoffery Stores, 1003 Bonita Lakes Circle; and Wal-Mart SuperCenter, 1733 South Frontage Road.
Marines will also accept toys at NAS Meridian's front gate Dec. 11-13, from 5:30 a.m. until 8 a.m.
Several drop-off locations for toys have been established in Meridian for the Toys for Tots campaign. The last day to contribute toys is Dec. 16. The Marines plan to take all the toys to the Wesley House Community Center for distribution on Dec. 18.
The following are Toys for Tots drop-off points:
Marine Corps Recruiters Office, 2201 Highway 39 North.
Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department, in the Lauderdale County courthouse annex.
Concepts Beauty &Skin Care, 2107 24th Ave.
Geoffery Stores, 1003 Bonita Lakes Circle.
The Meridian Star, 814 22nd Ave.
WTOK TV, 815 23rd Ave.
Woodstock Furniture, 2301 Highway 39 North.
Meridian Community College, 910 Highway 19 North.
Goodyear Auto Service Center, 615 22nd Ave.
Connections Unlimited, 2440 North Hills St.-105.
Judge Little Sports, 2716 Eighth St.