The Marine motto “Always Faithful” takes on a whole new meaning at Christmas, when troops brave wintry and often dangerous conditions to deliver thousands of gifts hundreds of miles to children in remote Alaskan villages.
Giving Santa a much-needed break, Marines with Delta Company, 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, also known as the Alaskan Marines, use snowmobiles and planes to support Toys for Tots and make sure the kids have something to open for the holidays.
“Really, it sounds like a big problem, but it’s not,” US Marine Corps Capt. Keith Lowell said, according to KMSP. “To see the twinkle in the eyes of these children when they see Santa Claus walk into their school. When they arrive and receive a gift from Santa Claus, it’s so special.”
After sorting the toys at a base near Anchorage, Marines transport them 500 miles north to the town of Kotzebue, according to the report.
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Located 26 miles above the Arctic Circle, Kotzebue is a tourist destination for shopping.
Marines, many wearing Santa hats, jackets and pants, use the center to distribute gifts to remote communities, riding snowmobiles and braving freezing temperatures.
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The Toys for Tots program is run by the Marine Corps and a non-profit foundation. It started in 1947.
In total, the program delivers 18 million toys to 7 million less fortunate children each year.
