Collecting toys for Toys for Tots at the December meeting has been a tradition for the Santa Clara Chapter for several years. This year had unusual challenges.

The Marines Reserve depends on corporate events for a large amount of their donations, and with most local companies operating only remotely, there is a great need for increased donations. The Santa Clara Chapter decided to open up the annual drive to the public by holding a drive-thru event in the Saratoga Senior Center parking lot on December 5, 2020.

Daughters organized their neighborhoods, collected toys from friends, and worked with the Saratoga Post Office to place a bin for donations in the main lobby. Many who could not drop off personally sent toys directly to board members. Others sent in check donations. Board members, active members, new and prospective members all volunteered to staff the four hour socially-distanced event.

With four stations to drop off toys, a steady stream of cars drove through the line, and popped their trunks to drop off their donations. Many stopped to chat with one of the Marines in attendance at the event.

By the time the event was over, the box truck brought by the Marines was over two-thirds full, and the chapter collected $1400 in addition to the $1000 donation the chapter approved, for a total of $2400.

It was a wonderful day of service, and the chapter is already planning for 2021.