OVER 1,200 toys were distributed to children as part of the 2021 Toys for Tots program in the CNMI. The project was initiated by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, and the Associated Students of Northern Marianas College.
“Despite all the recurring challenges of an ongoing pandemic for a second year in a row, the Toys for Tots campaign continued to serve as a beacon of hope and positivity across the CNMI,” said Capt. A.J. Ramos, lead coordinator for the Toys for Tots program in Guam and the CNMI.
“I am proud of the collective efforts of our partners, the local communities, and all the parts that contributed to another successful campaign. I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful and impactful campaign, and want to thank everyone who participated this year,” he added.
Ramos said the success of the program is a result of the contributions, support and generosity of CNMI businesses and community members.
“The CNMI community has exhibited its resilience by providing hope to those less fortunate and providing children in need of a gift this holiday season,” he added.
Saipan Chamber of Commerce vice president Shayne Villanueva said they have been partnering with the USMC Reserve for years now.
He also thanked ASNMC for the support it extended to the Toys and Tots program this year. “We could not do it without their collaboration,” he added.
“To all our community members, businesses, volunteers, and to the staff of the chamber of commerce, the community is forever indebted to making this holiday season another memorable one — Un dangkulu na si yu’us ma’ase,” Villanueva said.
The following community organizations and government agencies helped the Toys for Tots program identify children in need of gifts this Christmas season: Karidat, the Division of Youth Services, and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.
As for the Associated Students of NMC, “we are overjoyed to see another successful year for the Toys for Tots program,” ASNMC president Alyssa Attao said.
ASNMC has been a Toys for Tots partner of the chamber of commerce for two years now and she hopes they will continue that partnership.
ASNMC is also very grateful to the individuals who donated toys and other resources as well as those who, in one way or another, helped ensure the program’s success.
“It is always great to see our community coming together to spread the holiday cheer,” Attao said.
The Toys for Tots program likewise expressed appreciation to its other partners: Assurance Brokers Inc. (Saipan), Atkins Kroll Saipan, Bank of Guam, Bank of Hawaii, Bank of Saipan, Low District Car Club, BankPacific, Bridge Capital LLC, Calvo's Insurance Underwriters, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Club 88, DFS T Galleria Saipan, Docomo Pacific, First Hawaiian Bank (all locations), Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods, Herman's Modern Bakery, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Inas' Kitchen, IT&E, Joeten Enterprises, Marpac Inc., Matson, MP Holdings, Megabyte, Mount Carmel School, Latte Built 24-Hour Fitness & Nutrition, Lollipops, Pacific Air Auto, PHI Pharmacy (all locations), Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Paradise Dental Spa, Triple J Payless Superfresh & Truckload Store, Seventh-day Adventist School, Seventh-day Adventist Clinic, TakeCare Insurance, The Shack, Triple J Motors and Service Center, and VFW Saipan Post 3457.