Okinawa, Japan-based U.S. Marines distributed thousands of pounds of goodwill items and toys to communities and children in Zamboanga and Bacalod yesterday as part of Operation Goodwill.
This week, they will distribute more than 25,000 pounds of clothes, food, school supplies, health care items and sporting goods to Zamboanga, Negros, Leyte and Legaspi communities throughout the Philippines during the second phase of this year's annual "Operation Goodwill."
"These donations are just what the elementary school children need, and we are happy to accept them", said Chaplain Luis Macaday, Philippine Chaplain Service General Headquarters during the Zamboanga event.
During the first phase, Dec. 13-19, Marines delivered 22,000 pounds of goodwill items, about 6,600 toys and about 400,000 pesos to communities and organizations in Palawan and Northern Luzon.
The U.S. Marines, service members, and their families in Okinawa created this program in 2003 to show appreciation to the children and families of the Philippines for welcoming them during annual bilateral exercises.
The U.S. Marines work each year with their families to gather donations and then deliver toys and supplies to Filipino children over the holiday season.
"We feel very blessed to have the U.S. Marines come to visit us. The children always have a good time," said Jennylyn Miguel, a Calvary Chapel representative at the Bacolod event. (PRESS RELEASE)
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