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.