Christmas Is a Time for Giving Back, Says Melania Trump

America’s first lady Melania Trump said she hopes the giving spirit witnessed when Americans banded together in the devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey will continue over the Christmas season and into the New Year.

Mrs. Trump made her comments while supporting a drive for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program at military base in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

“On a personal note, as my first year as first lady comes to an end, I have had the privilege to witness the spirit and resilience of so many people in our country,” Mrs. Trump said, reported AP.

“After this year’s devastating hurricane season, I hope everyone watching at home will consider giving back through programs like Toys for Tots,” she said.

Great day with military families at @JBABdc as we sorted toys for children. Thank you to @ToysForTots_USA for all that you do for kids across the country. Merry #Christmas! pic.twitter.com/SdZdxGEMu9

— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) December 13, 2017

Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots’ mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during in the months leading up to Christmas to be gifted to less fortunate children.

“The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens,” says the program’s website.

Established in 1947, the charity has since distributed over 530 million toys to over 244 million less fortunate children, the website says.

GOOD TIDINGS: At a U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots event in Washington, DC, first lady Melania Trump met with children and challenged Americans to embrace the holiday spirit for the good of others. "It's about family, service and gratitude," she said. https://t.co/KR4bsLGuVY pic.twitter.com/zC82SEkhQL

— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) December 13, 2017

Pitching in

During her visit to the program’s activity at the base, Mrs. Trump recalled what she witnessed as communities in parts of America’s south rebuilt in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

“I’ve seen people from all over our great nation pitch in to help those who lost everything, and I want to challenge people to continue with that giving spirit over Christmas and in the New Year,” she said.

“It is my hope that during this holiday season people will remember it is not about gifts. It is about family, service and gratitude. We must continue to look out for and help each other.”

I was so grateful at the opportunity to spend time with the children and their families yesterday, and want to thank the medical staff @Childrenshealth for their lifesaving work. pic.twitter.com/dkQvUM3RMl

— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) December 8, 2017

Last week Mrs. Trump — with second lady Karen Pence ­— visited several communities in Texas that were badly hit by Hurricane Harvey.

The first lady had earlier made a number of visits to Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico with her husband, President Donald Trump, to show support to communities devastated by the hurricane in late August.

The effects of the hurricane season are still being felt & residents still need our help. As Christmas & the New Year approach, I encourage people to lend time volunteering or providing financial support to those still in need. pic.twitter.com/uUkmVUNH8n

— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) December 10, 2017

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