Rhodes Ranch collects Toys for Tots

The Rhodes Ranch Homeowners Association has teamed up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to collect unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots program.

Local residents can participate by bringing an unwrapped toy to the Rhodes Ranch Golf Club or the sales offices of neighborhoods within the Rhodes Ranch community, which is located in the southwestern valley.

The Rhodes Ranch golf course is offering an additional incentive to Clark County residents: Bring in a gift and receive a certificate for a round of golf for $50. The public championship golf course features a waterfall, city and mountain views, and golfing for players of all skill levels.

The Toys for Tots program is one of the nations's largest Christmas charitable endeavors and the Marine Corps' main charity. Over the past 52 years, Marines have distributed more than 257 million toys to 127 million children throughout the nation.

Members of the community may drop off new, unwrapped toys in collection boxes positioned at local businesses. Local coordinator Staff Sgt. Frank Benavente is responsible for picking up, storing and distributing the toys, which are sorted by according to age and gender.

On Christmas, Marines distribute the toys to hospitals, shelters, critical care units or families identified by local agencies.

Over the years, Marines have relied upon welfare agencies, churches and other local community agencies to identify the neediest children in the community and play key roles in the distribution of the toys.

Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Marine Maj. Bill Hendricks and a group of reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children.

In 1999, Marines and volunteers distributed more than 13.8 million toys to nearly 5.9 million needy children. Campaigns were conducted in 342 communities -- the broadest coverage achieved to date.

Rhodes Ranch is located on Durango Drive, south of Interstate 215.

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