[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 183 (Friday, December 23, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF MAJOR CHUCK KILBRIDE AND THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS 
                         TOYS FOR TOTS PROGRAM

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 23, 2016

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay 
tribute to Major Chuck Kilbride for his work with the United States 
Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. Major Kilbride, through his work 
with the Toys for Tots Program, has provided hope and joy to children 
in need during the holiday season for well over two decades.
  Started in 1947 by Major Bill Hendricks, Toys for Tots collects toys 
to provide to less fortunate youth, bringing local communities together 
around spreading holiday cheer. Toys for Tots was a quick success, 
collecting and distributing 5,000 toys in its first year alone. It has 
only improved throughout the years, providing over 512 million toys to 
over 237 million children nationwide to date.
  The Toys for Tots Program is not only about making children's wishes 
come true, it is about creating an environment of inclusion for all 
youth, regardless of their background or economic situation. The 
program recognizes that children are our most valuable asset because 
they are our future; investing in them is contributing to our future.
  The Toys for Tots Program has a special place in my heart. Each year, 
it has provided toys to public housing residents throughout my district 
in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. I fondly remember distributing toys 
with Major Kilbride at the Seward Park Community Center and the Vladeck 
Houses on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in December, 2009. That 
year, Major Kilbride named my late husband, Clifton Maloney, honorary 
vice chairman of the Toys for Tots program in New York City. I am 
grateful for all the amazing work Major Kilbride and his Marines have 
done for children throughout the New York metropolitan area.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Major 
Chuck Kilbride, Gunnery Sergeant Brian Gomez, Staff Sergeant J.D. 
Quinton, and Sergeant Eliezer Gomez for their work for the United 
States Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. These gentlemen and the 
Marine Corps have worked tirelessly to spread happiness and faith to 
less fortunate youth during the holiday season.

                          ____________________