Goodyear, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to host annual Toys for Tots events

Akron, OH – Goodyear and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve are partnering for the 11th consecutive year in support of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation at the company’s airship bases in California, Florida and Ohio. The Goodyear Blimp events will provide the public with an opportunity to donate to Toys for Tots while enjoying an up-close and personal view of the blimp.
Beginning Nov. 20 and continuing through Dec. 10, toy donations will also be accepted at select Cooper Service, Goodyear Auto Service, and Just Tires locations nationwide. Additional details on participating store locations are available below and on www.goodyearblimp.com.
On Dec. 3, 4, and 5, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ohio visitors can drive through the Wingfoot Lake blimp hangar to drop off their donation to a U.S. Marine representing Toys for Tots. The California drive-thru event will take place on Dec. 4 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. while the Florida drive-thru event will take place on Dec. 4 and 5 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
These events are free and open to the public, with all attendees required to follow Goodyear’s COVID-19 protocols, including wearing a mask while on property, adhering to social distancing guidelines and keeping toys in the trunk of their vehicle.
Toys can also be shipped to Goodyear’s hangars through Dec. 3 for contactless donation. Toys being donated must be new and in the original packaging to be accepted.
“It’s so critical that we find ways to support our communities and it’s an honor to work with the Toys for Tots organization to provide this unique collection experience and deliver toys to those who need them the most,” said Laura Duda, Goodyear’s senior vice president and chief communications officer. “Our relationship with the U.S. Marine Corps and their Toys for Tots Program has continued to grow over the past 11 years, and we are thankful we can support children receiving much-needed toy donations during the holiday season.”

2021 marks the 11th year of the collaboration between Goodyear and the Marines for events at Goodyear Blimp bases, which have collectively delivered more than 165,000 toys and nearly $500,000 to benefit Toys for Tots to date.
“We are excited to welcome Goodyear back for their 11th year as a National Corporate Sponsor of the Marine Toys for Tots Campaign,” said retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Their community service goals certainly align with those the Marine Corps has promoted for the past 73 years through our Toys for Tots Program. With their generous support we will be able to fulfill the Christmas dreams of thousands of less fortunate children who otherwise might be forgotten.”
Goodyear first nicknamed one of its blimps the “Santa Claus Express” in 1927 to spread holiday cheer across the skies of America. The company has a long history of community involvement and volunteerism within its corporate social responsibility strategy, Goodyear Better Future.
Founded in 1947, it is the mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the communities in which the campaigns are conducted.
The California Goodyear airship base is located at 19200 S Main St, Carson, California 90248.
The Florida Goodyear airship base is located at 1500 NE 5th Ave, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060.
The Ohio Goodyear airship base is located at 841 Wingfoot Lake Rd., Mogadore, Ohio 44260.
Donation details are available online at www.goodyearblimp.com, by visiting the Goodyear Blimp Facebook page or by calling (800) 344-9859.