AKRON — 2022 will mark the 12th year — and counting — that Goodyear will be collaborating with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for the Reserve's Toys for Tots toy collection drive.
Goodyear is offering toy donors in California, Ohio and Florida opportunities to view the hangars where the company's iconic blimps are kept.
This year's drive-through, which offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the Goodyear hangar before dropping off their donations, will be held during the following days:
- In Ohio — Dec. 1, 5-7 p.m. and Dec. 2, 2 to 7 p.m. at the hangar in Mogadore, an Akron suburb;
- In California — Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the hangar in Carson; and
- In Florida — Dec. 10 from 1-5 p.m. at the facility in Pampano Beach.
The Florida event will be held during an open house tours of the facility, while those in California interested in a tour spot may register by clicking here.
All attendees are required to follow locally-mandated COVID-19 guidelines.
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."
Goodyear said the event has resulted in almost 200,000 toys and more than $525,000 delivered to benefit Toys for Tots to date.
Retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, said the group is celebrating its 75th year of assisting children in need.
He said Goodyear's "community service goals continue to align with those the Marine Corps has promoted for over seven decades 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 might otherwise be forgotten."
Goodyear first nicknamed one the blimps the "Santa Claus Express" in 1927 to spread holiday cheer across America. The tire maker's Better Future strategy and Goodyear Airship Operations support collaborative programs, such as the Toys for Tots Foundation and community organizations to drive positive outcomes for the community.
Founded in 1947, it 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 those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
Donation details are available online, by visiting the Goodyear Blimp Facebook page or by calling (800) 321-2136.
