Each December, Tina Anderson works 12-16 hours a day – as a volunteer.

That’s what it takes to organize a holiday party for over 750 Marines and their families.

“When you see how happy it makes these young families, it’s worth it,” says the president of Irvine’s 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee, which supports Camp Pendleton’s 2/11 Battalion.

In the last year, her committee also held Marine baby showers for 62 new moms. It welcomed home all 2/11 Marines returning from deployment with banners, cards and goodie bags. And it delivered over 500 Thanksgiving turkeys to Marine couples.

Anderson relies on a core of about 20 volunteers and partnerships with Irvine businesses, Scout troops, schools, churches, civic organizations and the city itself.

“The generosity of the people in Irvine is amazing,” she says.

This is the 15th year she’s organized a citywide toy drive for the children of 2/11 Marines. You can help by donating a new, unwrapped gift through Dec. 13 at the Civic Center, Police Department or Great Park Visitors Center.

“We appreciate your help giving back to these military families who give so much,” Anderson says.

For more details, visit cityofirvine.org/military-veterans and select Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee.