Rosette Gonzales
Pfc. Miguel Martinez and Lance Cpl. Emilio Castaneda could be in Iraq
with the rest of their unit. Out of 200 Marines in the 4th Low
Altitude Air Defense Battalion, they are among the 13 soldiers that weren't deployed overseas. But Martinez and Castaneda are still
thinking globally, they're just acting locally.
The Marines' presence was as curious as it was commanding when
they drove up in their camouflaged Humvee to Curves at Adams Square
in Glendale. Half a dozen women cheered, standing next to boxes
overflowing with dolls, stuffed animals, board games, and a miniature
fire truck.
Curves fitness centers at Adams Square, Glendale Avenue, and
Kenneth Road have been working with the U.S. Marines since October to
collect toys for the Toys for Tots foundation.
"We all made a sign and just made sure we talked about [the drive]
within the circuit when women were working out. We wanted to include
all of Glendale, so it was members and nonmembers," said Lynda
D'Angelo, owner of the Glendale Avenue Curves.
Marines in Martinez's and Castaneda's unit will help distribute
the toys to local children in need of Christmas gifts.
"Our unit -- I'd say we've collected close to 8,000 toys,"
Martinez said. "By the time everything's done we should have about 20
to 25,000 toys."
All three Curves locations will continue collecting toys for the
Toys for Tots program until Tuesday. To find out how to donate a new
toy, call 242-4553 or 244-3030.
