One of the country鈥檚 largest annual Toys for Tots distribution events took place in Landover, Maryland, on Saturday, a couple of days before Christmas.
A line of people stretching out more than a half mile waited for their turn to collect toys for their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Right before 9-year-old Linda Mejia was about to have her chance to pick out a couple toys at 9:20 a.m. on Saturday, she told 海角精品黑料 that she and her family got in line Friday at 5 p.m. and waited all night long.
The fourth grader didn鈥檛 want anyone to worry because she pointed out that they slept in the car.
Someone who was in a very good mood, even though she had been standing in line for over two hours, was Quinyah Henry.
鈥淔irst Christmas as a mom,鈥� said Henry. 鈥淪o it means a lot, and this means a lot to be able to come and get things for her.鈥�
Three hundred volunteers helped Toys for Tots at the event, including members of both Prince George鈥檚 County police and fire departments.
鈥淚 respect the parents,鈥� said Prince George鈥檚 County police Chief George Nader. 鈥淗ow moving it is that they will stand in line in this cold weather, and it just shows how much they love their families.鈥�
Thelmetria Michaelides, chief of the Prince George鈥檚 County Fire Department, said she was blown away when she walked in and saw the area where people collected the toys.
鈥淚t’s like Toys 鈥楻鈥� Us here,鈥� said Michaelides. 鈥淲e have all our little kids here. They can pick out all the toys that they want, any toy.鈥�
Michaelides walked around with a big smile on her face as she put toys in bags for the parents.
Also volunteering was Prince George鈥檚 County Circuit Judge Ada E. Clark-Edwards.
鈥淪o happy to be a part of this, along with my colleagues,鈥� said Clark-Edwards. 鈥淚’m happy to see the Prince George’s County Police Department doing what they do best and serving the community.鈥�
Dawn Stem, the coordinator for Prince George鈥檚 County鈥檚 Toys for Tots, was joined by her kids for the event, including her son, who made sure to travel from Florida for what has become a family tradition that dates back to her childhood.
Stem told 海角精品黑料 that more than 50,000 kids in Prince George鈥檚 County will have Christmas presents under the tree thanks to this event.
Possibly the youngest child to benefit this year is D.J.
Five days ago, the 8 lb., 6 oz. baby was born and his mother, Josie Payne, made sure not to miss the distribution event.
鈥淚 just came from the hospital,” said Payne. 鈥淚 just had a baby, a baby boy.鈥�
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