First Lady Melania Trump thanked service members and helped children pick out gifts at a “Toys for Tots” event at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling on Tuesday.
The First Lady urged kindness during this holiday season while encouraging people to perform small acts of kindness to help lift the spirits of others who are feeling blue.
“This year more than ever, it is important for us to all remember to be kind this holiday season,” Melania said. “Remember that small acts of kindness such as calling your friends and neighbors or making holiday cards for a nearby nursing home can go a long way in spreading cheer and helping those struggling with change.”
“Let’s all do our part to Be Best in these difficult times,” she added, a nod to her initiative that is dedicated on focusing children’s wellness.
Thanking service members, Melania said, “It’s fantastic that you brought your children here today, teaching them that the holiday season is not just about receiving presents — it’s about kindness and giving back to your community and to the less fortunate.”
She also told the children whose parent members stationed overseas they are “special” to America and are the “true heroes.”
“I also want to thank all of the children who are here today. I know that many of you have a family member serving in the military and I want you to know how special they are to our Nation – they are true heroes,” Melania said.
The First Lady noted on the White House Christmas decoration that she unveiled shortly after Thanksgiving weekend. The theme this year is “America the Beautiful.”
“Like many of you, we just finished decorating for Christmas at the White House. Our theme this year is America the Beautiful. From coast to coast, our country is blessed with beautiful landscapes and inspirational people,” the First Lady said. “It was my goal that this year’s decorations honored and paid tribute to the people and places that have shaped this place we proudly call home.”
Following the brief remarks, the First Lady spent nearly an hour with the children who were making holiday cards for troops overseas. She also drew some cards with the kids and praised the young ones when they showed her their artwork creation. A few of the children made holiday cards personally for her, in which Melania thanked them, according to the pool report. Melania individual spent time talking to the children at the making station, posing for pictures with those who asked.
Along with spending time with the children, Melania greeted the military parents who were in attendance and helped the Marines sort toys and the handmade Christmas cards, that will be included with each gift.
The Marine Toys for Tots collects new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas. Founded in 1991, the program was created at the behest of the Marine Corps with the objective to help children that are less fortunate throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas while uniting all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to improving communities in the future.
This is Melania’s fourth year in a row she joined the Marines in their signature charity program.
Gerald S Ladd
December 9, 2020What a wonderful first lady!