Marines turn out for Toys for Tots duty

Two active-duty Marines gave their counterparts in the reserves a break and needy children a lift by holding a Toys for Tots drive at two Wal-Mart stores in the area.

Cpl. Daniel Broussard, 20, of Pomona, Calif., and Sgt. Robert Frost, 29, of St. Mary's, Idaho, both stationed at the Bridgeport, Calif., Mountain Retreat, stood tall in their dress uniforms and asked shoppers for help.

"We are helping the reserves," Broussard said. "They are spread pretty thin right now."

They spent the morning at the Wal-Mart on Topsy Lane in Douglas County and in the afternoon went to the Wal-Mart on College Parkway.

Frost said he enjoyed the duty.

"It's a good time," he said. "You meet a lot of new people."

Broussard, though from Southern California, said Bridgeport helped prepare him for the brisk Carson City weather.

"I'm pretty used to it now," he said.

Frost, true to his name, was not bothered by the chill at all, as an Idaho native, he said he was used to worse.

He was also used to tougher duty. Frost has spent 11 years in the Marine Corps, done two tours of duty in Iraq and "at least one everywhere else," he said.

He said when they ask for donations, they get more affirmative responses than negative.

"A lot of people say they will give when they come out," he said. "Some come back and some don't, but most do. Everybody knows this goes for a good cause."

Parents often took their children up to the pair and allowed the kids to put money in the jar, or toys in the box. The kids looked up, wide-eyed at the Marines, who politely thanked them for their donations.

Both men said Toys for Tots duty was among the most rewarding stateside duty they experienced.

"You feel good because you're doing your part for the community," Broussard said.

Marines will seek donations through Dec. 15th at various locations around the area.

You Can Help

Future USMC Toys for Tots drive will be:

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, at the Nevada State Railroad Museum

• 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 6, at Applebee's, 3300 S. Carson St.

• 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 8, fundraiser at the Harley Davidson Building

• 10 a.m. Dec. 8, fundraiser at the Eagle Valley Golf Course

• 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 15, Starbucks locations in Carson City, Lake Tahoe area and Gardnerville. Free coffee for toy donation.