First lady Melania Trump participated in a Toys for Tots toy drive for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve on Tuesday, where she helped organize toys and make Christmas cards.
Trump participated in a similar event last year and praised Toys for Tots, a charity run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that is designed to provide toys to children whose parents cannot afford gifts during the holiday season.
“I have been looking forward to this event ever since last year’s ended,” Trump said. “As a mother, I feel children are the most precious gift of all. They provide so much joy in life.”
“I believe in the good work that Toys for Tots is doing,” Trump said.
The event was held at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, where military families with children gathered to organize dolls, cars, games, stuffed animals, and other toys before crafting Christmas cards.
Retired Lt. Gen. Henry Osman, president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, described Trump as “our No. 1 volunteer” and noted that natural disasters in Florida and California have prompted a greater need for gifts this season — a need that will be met with volunteers, work from the Marines, and donations from Americans.
“What a champ she has been,” Osman said of the first lady, according to the Associated Press.
One hundred books will be donated to the Toys for Tots literacy program from the White House.
[Also read: Melania Trump dismisses critics of red Christmas trees: ‘They look fantastic’]
