President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama attended a Washington, D.C., event hosted by the Marine Corps in partnership with Toys for Tots.
According to a press release from the Department of Defense, the fundraiser – which aimed to collect toys for underprivileged children – was held at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. While Mrs. Obama has attended the event for the past six years, this was the president's first visit to the annual charity affair. Obama made a point to attend this year to thank the troops for not only protecting the country, but improving it from the inside as well.
In his speech, the president acknowledged that since Toys for Tots began in 1947 it has delivered almost 500 million toys to over 200 million children, noted USA Today. The release reported that the Marine Corps has actively partnered with the charity since 1995.
During his speech, the president took a moment to acknowledge the sacrifices made by U.S. servicemembers.
"With our combat mission coming to a close in Afghanistan, it means more of our extraordinary military members are going to be home for the holidays, back where they belong," stated Obama, according to the release.