Bringing toys and joy to 750 Marine families over the holidays

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.

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.


  • Soaring to success 

    Irvine resident Mia Frederick, a 16-year-old ballerina from the Southland Ballet Academy, stands poised for greatness.

  • 10 happenings this April

    1. Contemporary dance Parsons Dance, one of the world’s most dynamic contemporary dance companies, brings its signature athleticism and artistry …

  • Top moments in Irvine innovation

    First flight California’s first recorded flight started in an Irvine bean field in 1909. Aviator Glenn Martin lifted up 8 …

  • Hiromi’s Sonicwonder at Irvine Barclay Theatre

    Jazz pianist Hiromi will perform at Irvine Barclay Theatre on April 24. Her new groove-heavy project called Sonicwonder features a …