NEW HAVEN - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today called on the community to help support the annual Toys for Tots Campaign, sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. DeLauro was joined by Major Dana Hyatt of the 6th Motor Transport Battalion in New Haven, which has been coordinating the area drive since 1947. Richard Searles of American Postal Workers Union discussed the post office collection and the Raffone family of East Haven described how the program helps them.

“The Marine Reservists and the Corps are the driving force behind the Toys for Tots effort nationwide - collecting, sorting, and distributing toys for nearly six and a half million needy children each year,” said DeLauro. “Their efforts would be futile without the support of businesses and communities. I am pleased to say that New Haven and its surrounding towns have been a leader in this effort.”

The United States Marine Corps Reserves have been sponsoring the toy drive for over 50 years when it was created by Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks in California. Last year the drive in Connecticut yielded more than 80,000 toys for local needy children.

“The Toys for Tots drive epitomizes what the holiday spirit is all about,” said DeLauro. “With many families experiencing tough times this year, our challenge is to make sure that a new toy is delivered to every single needy child. The holidays are such a busy time for all of us. It is easy to get caught up in the frantic pace of holiday shopping and parties, but Toys for Tots makes a real difference, which is why we have so many people willing to take a moment in their busy days to help others in our community.”

New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at all United States Post Offices.

For more information, call the U.S. Marine Corps training center at (203) 467-5322 or log on to .