Photo Information

Pakalana Shiraki, 7, of Honolulu hands a bear she built to Sgt. Jose Godinez, 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, at the Ala Moana Build-a-Bear Workshop Nov. 15. Marines were on hand accepting donations to the Marine Corps Reserve's annual Toys for Tots campaign.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cristina Noelia Gil

Shoppers create ‘beary’ special friends for Toys for Tots

15 Nov 2008 | Lance Cpl. Cristina Noelia Gil U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific

Marines were on hand accepting donations of new, furry friends to the Marine Corps Reserve’s annual Toys for Tots drive at the Ala Moana Build-a-Bear Workshop Nov. 15 and 16.

Shoppers spent time stuffing, bathing, dressing and naming plush animals for Hawaii’s less-fortunate children.

“I have been giving to Toys for Tots for as long as I can remember, and this year is no different,” said Jackie McCabe, a Honolulu resident and supporter of the campaign.

Some parents took the opportunity to teach their children about giving.

Somers Joseph, of Waimanalo, helped her son, Kolaiah, five years old, prepare a bear for donation, as she explained to him that he was preparing a gift for a child who may not be as fortunate as him.

“Some children aren’t as lucky to have as many toys as you do,” Joseph explained to her son.

Costas Rodrigues, seven years old, was excited as he built a stuffed animal for donation, knowing his gift will soon be in the hands of a child who needs it.

“I know they will be happy to have the toy and play with it,” said Costas.

According to Gunnery Sgt. Chris Whitley, Toys for Tots coordinator, approximately 40 donations were received, contributing to this year’s goal of 40,000 toys.

All donations made to the Toys for Tots campaign in Hawaii, stay in Hawaii.

Build-a-Bear Workshop is a nation-wide corporate sponsor of the Marine Corps Reserve’s annual Toys for Tots campaign.

Ala Moana Build-a-Bear Workshop will remain a Toys for Tots drop-off location throughout the holiday season, along with many other locations across Hawaii.