By: Corte H.R. No. 843 73R11876 JLZ-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor 1-2 the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for its outstanding gesture of 1-3 compassion and generosity in conducting its annual Toys for Tots 1-4 program and making the Christmas holiday season brighter and 1-5 happier for millions of deserving children across the nation; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Begun in 1947, the Marine Corps Reserve's annual 1-7 Toys for Tots drive has grown from a local collection and 1-8 distribution effort to a nationwide program that each year collects 1-9 more than eight million toys and distributes them, along with the 1-10 immeasurable gift of joy, to young boys and girls whose holidays 1-11 would otherwise be less cheerful; and 1-12 WHEREAS, The program makes the Christmas season a joyful 1-13 occasion not only for the children who receive these gifts but also 1-14 for people of all ages whose spirits are lifted by the act of 1-15 giving; Toys for Tots is a broad collaborative effort uniting 1-16 generous individuals, large corporations and small businesses, 1-17 community service organizations, and public officials, all of whom 1-18 contribute selflessly to this worthy cause; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Providing the necessary coordination for the Toys 1-20 for Tots campaign, local Marine Corps Reserve units work closely 1-21 with donors, volunteer workers, sponsors, and recognized social 1-22 service agencies in cities and towns across the state to ensure 1-23 that the needs of local communities are met by this program; and 1-24 WHEREAS, This program, which has grown steadily in the number 2-1 of volunteers participating and the number of children being 2-2 served, has been a continuing source of untold fulfillment and joy 2-3 for givers and recipients alike and truly merits special praise and 2-4 recognition; now, therefore, be it 2-5 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas 2-6 Legislature hereby express its heartfelt appreciation to the U.S. 2-7 Marine Corps for its community service in conducting the annual 2-8 Toys for Tots program and extend to the Corps best wishes for the 2-9 program's continued success; and, be it further 2-10 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-11 prepared for each of the fine Marine Corps Reserve units in the 2-12 state as an expression of high esteem by the Texas House of 2-13 Representatives.