Donations for the Marine Corps’ annual Toys for Tots drive await distribution to needy children. The Annapolis Area Complex collected nearly $50,000 in toys and donations for children in the local area. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. David L. Crockett.

From Nov. 15 to Dec. 15, the United States Naval Academy, Naval Support Activity Annapolis and toy stores in the local area collected for the 60-year-old United States Marine Corps Reserve program that donates toys to needy children in local communities.

‘‘Sometimes we get so caught up in the rush of the holiday season, we forget what it’s really all about,” said MA3 Derek Vasko, Toys for Tots collection coordinator for the Annapolis Area Complex. ‘‘To give people a way to give back is very rewarding feeling during that time of the year and the end result is always amazing.”

Last year, Vasko coordinated the program alone and raised nearly $25,000. This year, the campaign team expanded with the aid of 7th Company, Annapolis Chief Petty Officers Association, and First Class Petty Officers Association. The final collection doubled last year’s amount.

''Toys for Tots is more than someone giving a toy and feeling as if they have done a good deed for the year,” said BMC(SW) Junior Ashwood, a representative of the Chief Petty Officers Association. ‘‘It’s bringing the true essence of the gift-giving season to those who otherwise could not enjoy it as much.”

The Chiefs and First Class Petty Officers sponsored donation drop-boxes throughout the Annapolis Area Complex, while 7th Company collected from within the Brigade. Outside of the Academy, volunteers collected at high visibility events such as the Army-Navy game in Baltimore.

‘‘It was an honor to participate in Toys for Tots this year,” said Midn. 2⁄C Maelina Sakaio, coordinator of 7th Company’s contributions. ‘‘We believe the amount raised says a lot about the spirit of giving and the Naval Academy’s support of community activities.”

‘‘I feel humbled and fortunate to have been able to coordinate and execute this small piece of their mission,” said CTRCS(SW⁄NAC) Shannon Howe, 7th Company Senior Enlisted Leader. ‘‘The Navy and Marine Corps team - it’s a beautiful thing.”