Nov. 19--A military operation was underway early Thursday morning in Gurnee, unseen by most but guaranteed to bring smiles to young faces next month.
Members of the U.S. Marines Air Control Group 48 from Naval Station Great Lakes were on a $20,000 spending spree inside Toys R Us in Gurnee Mills as part of the preparations for the group's local Toys for Tots charity drive.
It was primarily a stealth operation, with seven Marines and a civilian volunteer working to purchase an estimated 1,100 toys with donations left over from last year. Before the store's doors opened to the public, shopping carts full of toys were checked out and loaded into a large rental truck Penske Truck Rental donated to the Marines for the event.
Helping with the shopping spree was Betzy Vantilborg, wife of Master Sgt. Thomas Vantilborg.
"I have two kids myself and we do everything we can to give them a good Christmas," Vantilborg said as she unloaded a cart full of toys at a checkout register. "It breaks my heart that everybody can't do that, so I like to help."
Vantilborg said she enjoyed the work as well.
"I like to shop for kids toys, so here I am," she said.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Dennis Jones said the estimated 750 pounds of toys were purchased with cash donations remaining from last year's local Toys for Tots drive, which raised over $70,000.
Jones said the Marines selected toys specifically geared for children in the age ranges of newborn to 2 years old and 10 to 12 years old because donation patterns in recent years showed that other age groups received more donated toys from the public.
This is the third year Jones has served as Lake County coordinator of the Toys for Tots drive, a role he said he welcomes.
"This is a Marine Corps duty of ours, but I also like it," he said. "I like making young kids happy and helping the community as well."
Jones said a cap of $30 was placed on the purchase of each toy, and toys were chosen based on research of their popularity with the age groups involved.
Those who wish to make a monetary or toy donation can find information and a list of local drop-off sites at www.toysfortots.org. Donations of toys must be received by Dec. 16.
The same website details how parents who meet requirements for receiving toys can request toys for their children. Instructions are provided in English and Spanish. The deadline for toy applications is Nov. 28.
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation provides toys for children from newborn to 12 years of age.
jrnewton@tribpub.com
