Goodyear once again will let visitors into its Wingfoot Lake blimp base early next month for the annual Toys For Tots benefit in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
This will be the sixth Goodyear-Marines Toys For Tots team-up that allows the public inside the blimp hangar to donate gifts and cash while getting a close look at a Goodyear blimp. Goodyear’s newest airship, Wingfoot Two, is currently based at the Portage County hangar.
The benefit runs noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 2, 3 and 4. The event is free. The local blimp base is at 841 Wingfoot Lake Road in Suffield Township.
Donations of brand new toys in the original packaging or cash are encouraged to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Donations are not required.
“We take great pride in our Goodyear blimp crews teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to support the Toys for Tots Foundation,” Paul Fitzhenry, senior vice president of global communications, said in a news release. “Through this program, we open our doors to the community and encourage our blimp fans to share in the spirit of giving that defines and gives meaning to the holiday season.”
The previous five events brought in more than 57,000 toys and $75,000, Goodyear said.
“The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve are grateful to Goodyear for returning as a national sponsor again this year,” retired Marine Col. Ted Silvester, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, said in a statement. “We know how successful their drive-through program has been in recent years, and we’re very excited about working together again this year. It should generate many additional toys to help us fulfill the Christmas dreams of less fortunate children who might otherwise be forgotten.”
Goodyear is hosting similar benefits at its blimp bases in Pompano Beach, Fla., and Carson, Calif.
More details may be found at www.goodyearblimp.com, by visiting the Goodyear Blimp Facebook page or by calling (800) 344-9859.