AKRON — Goodyear is collaborating with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for the Reserve's annual Toys for Tots toy collection drive for an 11th straight year.
Goodyear is offering donors in California, Ohio and Florida opportunities to view the hangars where the company's iconic blimps are kept.
On a broader basis, Goodyear will be collecting toys from Nov. 20 through Dec. 10 at select Goodyear Auto Service Centers and Just Tires and Cooper service locations nationwide.
Donors must follow Goodyear's COVID-19 protocols, including wearing a mask, social distancing guidelines and having toys in the trunk of their vehicles.
"We are excited to welcome Goodyear back for their 11th year as a National Corporate Sponsor of the Marine Toys for Tots Campaign," Ted Silvester, retired Marine Colonel and vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, said.
"Their community service goals certainly align with those the Marine Corps has promoted for the past 73 years through our Toys for Tots Program. With their generous support we will be able to fulfill the Christmas dreams of thousands of less fortunate children who otherwise might be forgotten."
Goodyear will be hosting drive-through donation events at its blimp hangars in early December:
- In Ohio — Dec. 3-5 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the hangar in Mogadore, an Akron suburb;
- In California — Dec. 4 from 4-8 p.m. at the hangar in Carson; and
- In Florida — Dec. 4 and 5 from 1-5 p.m. at the facility in Pampano Beach.
The events are free and open to the public, with all attendees required to follow locally mandated guidelines and precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Toys also may be shipped to Goodyear's hangars through Dec. 3 for contactless donation. Donated toys must be new and in the original packaging to be accepted.
"It's so critical that we find ways to support our communities, and it's an honor to work with the Toys for Tots organization to provide this unique collection experience and deliver toys to those who need them the most," Laura Duda, Goodyear's senior vice president and chief communications officer, said.
"Our relationship with the U.S. Marine Corps and their Toys for Tots Program has continued to grow over the past 11 years, and we are thankful we can support children receiving much-needed toy donations during the holiday season."
The airship base events collectively have delivered almost 165,000 toys and nearly $500,000 to benefit Toys for Tots, Goodyear said.
Founded in 1948, the Toys for Tots Foundation is the mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December and distribute these as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
Donation details are available online at goodyearblimp.com, by visiting the Goodyear Blimp Facebook page or by calling 800-344-9859.
