Toy shopping for children is not only fun for these Marines, but it's also a way they can give back to the Rio Grande Valley.
A group of Marines gathered at Toys R Us in McAllen on Thursday morning in preparation for this year's "Toys For Tots" drive.
Roughly $6,000 dollars were spent on toys for needy kids in the Hidalgo County area.
"I have a passion for this because when I was a kid growing up, I didn't have toys sometimes," said Sgt. Mark Bratton. "I didn't have very good Christmas' sometimes. I wish that would have extended to the areas that I lived in."
The Marines got one hour to fill up carts full of toys between $5 and $10 dollars a piece.
Action 4 News was able to tag along during the shopping spree.
And of course, these Marines wanted to grab toys that were not only brand new, but working properly.
The spirit of giving brought great joy to these marines.
And as our nation's heroes, they say giving back even more to the children of our country is not only a duty, but the right thing to do.
"I don't necessarily view myself as a hero," said Sgt. Matther Tafoya. "I'm just out trying to do the right thing. That's it. That's all I think I can do in this world, is make it a little better for everybody else."
Those wishing to donate can drop off brand new toys at the Action 4 News studios in Harlingen or our Hidalgo County bureau next to Pappadeaux in Pharr.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT