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BMJA Supports Toys For Tots

Each year, BMJA helps the Marine Corps Reserve collect toys for needy children.
The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve TFT Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope is delivered to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.

Some History

The program began with 1 person in 1947. By 1948, a nationwide community action project had mobilized so that even Berks County had a toy collection that year. BMJA began our participation in 1996, when we used to have our meetings at the Marine Corp Barracks of India Battery 3/14 in the Kenhorst area of Reading.

It started with just a one-hour parade through Reading that culminated at the barracks. Jeepers, accompanied by club members Santa and Mrs. Claus, would deliver the toys they donated and the Marines would say a few words of thanks. These events are open to everyone who would like to join us.

We get a tremendous amount of support year after year from the bikers in the Blue Knights and the Leathernecks of Iwo Jima Detachment #1. During the parade, they escort us through the city, making sure all intersections are safe and all the people are paying attention.

  • BMJA and Paragon Adventure Park together collected over $1500, not counting toys
  • 46,000 toys were collected in Berks County as a whole
    • from this: 6,500 Berks kids received gifts
  • 1,000 kids in Philly received gifts (the Berks campaign chipped in to the Philly campaign)

Much more information can be found at the Marine Toys For Tots Foundation.

What about this year?

BMJA has since joined forces with Classic Harley Davidson for a combined effort to gather toys for the kids. We start at Classic HD and follow the bikes on a police guided parade through reading ending at the First Energy Stadium for food and refreshements. This event is open to all types of vehicles in support of the needy during the holidays.

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