By Allison Keyes, WTOP
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. —The line around Prince George’s County police headquarters was hours long, but everyone was smiling as volunteers distributed more than 50,000 toys to more than 25,000 children on Saturday.
“Toys for Tots is the love of my life,” said Bernadette McKenzie. She was there to pick up gifts for her 1- and 3-year-old grandchildren. Her eyes widened as she poked around in the big plastic bag full of goodies.
“There are some stuffed animals, a little doctor’s game a doll baby and a little guitar,” she said, smiling.
Tiffany Burke was there, in her son’s winter Redskins hat, to get toys for her 11-, 14- and 17-year-olds.
“They’re gonna love everything,” Burke said. Then, she looked into the bag and yelled, “a Redskins basketball! Oh my son is going to love this!”
Prince George’s County police partnered with the United States Marine Corps Reserves to host the program. Assistant Fire Chief Alan Doubleday of Prince George’s County Fire and EMS was grinning.
“I’m proud to be part of this,” he said, “and to assist so many families for the holiday.”
Brian McCormick was there with his wife Shanece, getting gifts for their 5-, 6-, 7- and 13-year-olds. He said whatever they got was a true blessing.
“It makes things much easier,” McCormick said.
